Dwarf Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides ‘Radicans’) Starter
 
Dwarf Gardenia ‘Radicans’ is a low-growing, subtropical shrub celebrated for its fragrant white blooms, glossy evergreen foliage, and compact, spreading habit. Unlike standard gardenias, this cultivar stays much smaller, making it a better candidate for bonsai or container training with strong visual payoff during the blooming season.
 
As a Bonsai:
Though not commonly used in traditional bonsai, Gardenia 'Radicans' offers great potential for flowering bonsai styles. It has small leaves, tight internodes, and vigorous branching, and it can be shaped easily with pruning. With care, it will reward you with fragrant, creamy white flowers, often multiple times a year in warm conditions. Best for small to medium bonsai or accent pieces.
📢 This is a subtropical species—it thrives in warm temperatures during the growing season and should be grown outdoors in warmer months. It should be brought indoors when night temperatures approach 40°F. For best results, it benefits from a short pseudo-dormancy period during winter, with at least a month of daytime temperatures around 55–65°F.
 
Plant Features:
Hardiness Zone: 7–10 (protect from frost; subtropical)
Growth Habit: Low, spreading, and compact
Mature Size: 1–2 ft tall and wide; naturally dwarfed form
Foliage: Small, glossy dark green leaves
Flowers: Fragrant white blooms, often in spring and again in summer
Bark: Smooth; not a major ornamental feature but gains character with age
Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: Acidic, well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but well-drained conditions
Special Features: Fragrant flowers, naturally compact form, ideal for flowering bonsai styles