They are beautiful.
And they smell like heaven.
And that combination is all it takes to weave a spell so powerful that most of us southerners fall deeply, madly in love. Willing, even, to slay dragons in order to have this perfect princess continue to charm us with her looks, and enchant us with her fragrance. Few can resist her charms.
Have you fallen under her spell?
Today I'm joining Tracie at Fishtail Cottage for Cottage Flora Thursdays.
Gardenias are so refreshing.
ReplyDeleteYou are right and they are stunning. Love them.
ReplyDeleteCher Sunray Gardens
When I was growing up in north Texas, we had a gardenia bush right under our kitchen window (and no central air, so the window was open a lot). I remember how lovely it was to stand over the sink with the scent of gardenia wafting through the window. Can't grow them here, I guess, but they are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteTotally! I have Gardenias ... I HOPE mine look as beautiful as yours this summer!
ReplyDeleteI have loved gardenias since I was a girl. I've tried growing them here before and have lost them all. They do grow plentifully around here and I see some wonderful, huge old specimens filled with blooms. Tom, from 7th St Cottage sent me two cuttings he rooted and I have them growing and doing nicely in pots right now. I do hope they will survive and bloom for me. That scent is one of my all time favorites, there is not word to describe it. Only others who have the same love for them know what you are talking about.
ReplyDeleteFlowerLady
I have Gardenia envy!! Gardenias are iffy in my zone, though I understand there are cultivars that are hardier that would probably work ... now you got me thinking ...
ReplyDeleteBecca - I agree! I feel 10 degrees cooler in the presence of that white bloom and dark green foliage. Of course, usually these are planted in some shade here, so that helps too!
ReplyDeleteCher - They are a powerful plant, I think mostly because of their fragrance. Without that sweet scent, they might just be another bush.
Cynthia - That would almost make me want to wash dishes. Almost. :)
Gardening Blog - Yours will do great, I'm sure, because you take such good care of your soil.
Flower Lady - I hope yours do fabulously and grow into one of those old specimens. I can remember gardenias as a girl, too. That scent is one that is never forgotten.
Hartwood Roses - My sister lives where gardenias will not grow, so every time she visits she wants to know if the gardenias are blooming. If they are, she will pick one and savor the fragrance. I hope you can find one suitable to your climate.
You asked about my pentas. Go for it girl. They are a perennial but you know how that goes sometime. I hope to be adding more next year.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Becca. I wondered how much cold they could take. I'll give them a try.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have also fallen under the spell of gardenias. As you said their fragrance transports you directly to heaven. Here I consider them more extravagant divas than charming princesses, though. I need to acidify the soil for them, fertilize them regularly, water them even more than roses, if they really should look nice, and if they would have their way, they would make me put up a mister extra for them, but that goes too far even for me plant nerd. Most of the time of the year they don't look that great in my garden and my repeat blooming variety refuses to bloom repeatedly, but when they do bloom in spring their demanding moody nature is forgiven.
ReplyDeleteChristina
Hmm lovely. They are so delicate and simple. It's the fragrance really though. Full of grace.
ReplyDeleteIf you know David Austin Roses btw - you might be interested in this MyGardenSchool David Austin Roses (Virtual Course)
Róża piękna, a że pięknie pachnie, to Ci muszę uwierzyć i wierzę.Pozdrawiam
ReplyDeletei suppose that's probably how heaven will smell.
ReplyDeleteChristina - You have just stated why some feel they are slaying dragons just for a few blooms! But, still, we do it! They can be quite picky, and a bit baffling why sometimes they love a spot vs. another.
ReplyDeleteElspeth - It is the fragrance. I agree that gardenias would just be another pretty bloom without that wonderful perfume.
Giga - Beauty and fragrance. A spellbinding duo.
greggo - I think so, too.
Gardenia for me means diva. I try and try but it is so hard to make them grow well here... You are right though, the fragrance is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThe scent of gardenias are one of the best out there! :) There is a variety here called 'Kleim's Hardy' and as the name says is hardy enough here. The flowers aren't as fab as other varieties but the scent is just as good.
ReplyDeleteMasha - Yes, I've heard others complain about them being a bit of a diva! They grow well for me, as long as the light requirements are right.
ReplyDeleteMark and Gaz - I have seen a hardy gardenia for sale - not sure if it's the same one. The leaves are a bit different, not as glossy, I think. If the scent is good, though, that would be enough to give it a try!
Annick Goutal(sp?) makes a perfume called Gardenia Passion...close but nothing compares to the real thing!
ReplyDeletePretty photos!
glimpsesofglory-karen.blogspot.com/
Another beauty, that alas, I cannot grow, but I can certainly appreciate from afar. Your photos are stunning. What a perfect flower.
ReplyDeletestunning! i have these in my garden. they smell lovely!
ReplyDelete~ANGEL~
Karen - I have not seen that perfume, but now I'll be on the look out for it!
ReplyDeleteKaren - Sorry this plant won't work for you. That's the sad reality to gardening - there's always something that won't grow for us. Not worth breaking our hearts by trying, either.
Angel - I'm so glad you grow these, too! They are a classic beauty.
This a goreous bloom & must agree when i am at the local nursery i am tempted to bring one home. I've heard there are hardy ones for the northwest, but still afraid to try! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous gardenia here at Cottage Flora Thursdays for all of us to enjoy! xoxo, tracie
ReplyDeleteTracie - I hope you will give one a try, it would be interesting to know how hardy they are.
ReplyDelete