Hi Shadon,

Ok - this is a great question, and I'll be interested to see others' feedback. My problem is that I continually get the two mixed up, but one has small leaves and the other has a noticeably larger leaf. Although I *believe* that the smaller-leaved variety (Jasminoides, I think) has a reputation as a 'waterwise' plant, I prefer the Augusta variety, both in terms of its foliage and the way it has stood up to the elements in my garden. As I have both planted side-by-side, in competition with tree ferns/poinciana roots/palms/mondo grass and a horde of lillipillies, I believe that I'm in a position to compare the two : your mileage may differ. I'll often visit their patch to find the Jasminoides wilted and unhappy whilst the Radicans looks the exact opposite.

Soil - clay, with significant root competition
Aspect - morning sun, filtered light through the day
Conditions - everything from zero deg Winters to 40 deg Summers, hot/dry winds and irregular downpours

Good luck,

Artie

As far as I know Gardenia jasminoides is now known as Gardenia augusta, but both names are used. The confusion arises because there are SO many cultivars with differing leaf and flower sizes.
There is also a prostate variety called 'Radicans' which is only up to 50cm high. This one would be used for edging rather than hedging so be aware of that. Otherwise just choose one that suits the sort of height you need for your hedge. They vary from about 1m to 2.5mt. Don't space them more than 1mt. apart. Less would be better for a quicker hedge effect. Say 60cm for the 1mt. varieties and a bit more for taller ones.
Remember they are acid lovers and prefer morning sun or dappled shade.
Cheers,
Dee.

I forgot to mention that 'Radicans' is also often used as a syn. to the others and may not necessarily be the correct dwarf variety. So check your labels carefully for height.
Dee.

Hi Dee,

I believe that you are correct, and the industry has taken to mixing and matching the names. My 'Radicans' label indicates that the plant will grow to at least a metre in height, and the word 'dwarf' doesnt appear anywhere.

Cheers,

Artie

Hi there,

Thanks so much for your help!

What we are after is a Gardenia that we can grow to about 30-40cm high that will remain nice and bushy at that height (and not get straggly) that we can have as an informal hedge around our fenceline, about 23 metres long. It will be the only plant in that area and won't have compettion from anything other than the occasional weed. I looked at the "groundcover" variety at a large nursery on Sunday. It only went by the name "Gardenia radicans" no Augusta or Jasminoides and the nursery person knew less than I did about the plants (seriously, she had to read the back of the tag to tell me about the plant...I had already done that...duh!).

Can anyone recommend any other Gardenia to suit my purpose or would I be best sticking to a Radicans that grows to about 40cms high?

I have a problem, I have two radicans on both sides of my walkway. One is doing very well the other is not so much. Its scrawny, leggy and gets yellow leaves. The only known difference is the scrawny one gets a bit more sun then the nice one. Both are growing some what slow is that ok. The nice one is getting some hieght, but the other one is still about the same size as when i bought it. What should I do?