Emei Shan Gardenia
Gardenia sp. (from China)
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Every collection has its unnamed treasures, and this gardenia is one of ours: a plant grown from seed gathered on Emei Shan, the great sacred mountain of Sichuan in southwestern China. The species has not been pinned down, but the plant is unmistakably a gardenia, upright in habit and clothed in long, narrow, glossy dark green leaves quite unlike the broad foliage of the common Cape jasmine.
In the warm season the shrub opens single white flowers, clean and simple against the deep green leaves, with the sweet gardenia fragrance the genus is loved for. The upright, well-furnished frame gives structure to a planting even out of bloom, and the narrow foliage lends a finer texture than most gardenias bring.
Gardenia is a genus of the warm woodlands of Asia and Africa, and this mountain form from Emei Shan hints at a constitution suited to cooler, moister conditions than the lowland kinds. As a wild-collected, still unidentified introduction, the plant is offered in a spirit of shared discovery, and we welcome grower reports on hardiness, size, and bloom to help fill in what the label cannot yet say.
Site this gardenia as a collector's specimen or an upright evergreen accent in a sheltered, part-shaded spot with acid, well-drained soil and steady moisture. Pair with camellias, azaleas, and other acid-loving woodland companions, give shelter from hard frost, and enjoy the pleasure of growing a fragrant mystery straight from a famous Chinese mountain.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 7–10
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, Acid
- Mature size
- Height 3–6 Feet · Spread 3–5 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.