Golden Gardenia (Gardenia tubifera)

Golden Gardenia

Gardenia tubifera

Its golden, tubular blooms exude rich, sweet fragrance. Evergreen flowering shrub; common names: Golden Gardenia, Tubular Gardenia.

Full to partial sun; prefers bright, indirect light indoors to avoid leaf scorch
2–3/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full to partial sun; prefers bright, indirect light indoors to avoid leaf scorch
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; allow top 2 cm to dry between waterings
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Temperature Thrives in warm, humid conditions; avoid temperatures below 15°C as it may cause leaf drop
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Glossy, dark green, elliptical to oblong leaves with smooth margins, 10–20 cm long
  • Flower: Tubular golden-yellow blooms, 5–8 cm long, opening to star-shaped corollas with intense fragrance
  • Stem: Woody, branching stems with smooth, light brown bark
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist; increase watering in hot, dry weather

Fertilization

Diluted acidic fertilizer every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn; stop feeding in autumn and winter

Coffee grounds compost tea:Use fully composted coffee grounds, dilute 1:25 for root drench to maintain soil acidity without burning roots; avoid applying undiluted grounds
Pruning
  • Prune after flowering to shape the shrub and remove spent blooms
  • Thin overcrowded branches to improve air circulation and light penetration
  • Remove dead or yellowing leaves to prevent pest and disease buildup
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Associated with purity and joy in tropical Asian traditions; used in religious ceremonies

Usage: Ornamental garden plant; cut flowers for fragrant floral arrangements