Aimee Yoshioka Gardenia, 'Aimee Yoshida' in California, syn. 'First Love'

Extremely fragrant tropical shrubs from Asia. This selection has exceptionally large double white flowers. Also known as 'Aimee Yoshida'. Prefer warm conditions with lots of humidity, rich acid soil with good drainage. It's shrubby to 5' or more under ideal conditions. It's generally recommended to add copious amounts of organic matter to the planting hole, peat-moss is most commonly sited. If your native soil is very alkaline, the addition of soil sulfur and gypsum can also help. They like regular water and regular feeding, something high in nitrogen, these guys are pigs, but so worth it. A lot of people grow gardenias in pots to have better control over the soil, a good idea, just don't forget to water. Best in the full sun, tolerates some shade only in extremely hot areas. Nothing in the world like gardenias.