Re: Gardenia thunbergia

Moira wrote:

>My NZ references indicate this species as less hardy than the common
>Gardenia (G augusta). augusta's preferred range is given as zones 10-11
>and G thunbergia's as 11-12. 

We live and learn!  I was told on good authority that it was a great
deal hardier than most species and should do well in south western
coastal areas of the UK at least.  Naturally I left it out without
thinking about it and although it has not moved much, it certainly
appears to be quite happy.  We had a few frosts to minus 2C this past
winter and whereas G. jasminoides drooped and lost the sheen to its
leaves when cold, G. thunbergii sat looking as 'prick-eared' as ever.


I don't know whether it is worth trying up in Tim's part of the world
- I suspect that the cooler, wetter summers might not be to it's
liking.  With me, it only seems to grow if night temperatures remain
above 16C or thereabouts.  ISTR that Silverhill were offering seeds
from 'hardy' versions of this a few years ago.

Dave Poole
TORQUAY  UK
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