Variegated Gardenia
Gardenia sp. 'Variegata'
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
This striking, rather upright gardenia is a Woodlanders introduction that has since become more widely available, grown less for bloom than for the boldly marked leaves. Each glossy leaf is splashed and margined in strong yellow, so the whole shrub reads as a soft fountain of gold and green, a rare thing among broadleaf evergreens and a bright note for a shaded corner.
The plant came to us many years ago from Brookside Gardens in Maryland, who had found the variegated form in Japan, and has proven a durable, good-natured grower. Single white flowers appear now and then, carrying the familiar gardenia sweetness, but bloom is sparse and beside the point; the foliage is the reason to grow this one, holding color and polish the year round.
Gardenia jasminoides comes from the warm woodlands of China and Japan, long cultivated for fragrance, dye, and medicine, and the variegated form asks for the same easy conditions as any gardenia: acid, well-drained soil, steady moisture, and shelter from hard frost. This selection has proven hardy here to at least 11 degrees F, and takes happily to a cool greenhouse where winters are colder.
Use the variegated gardenia where the gold-marked leaves can light a dim spot: the front of a shaded border, a foundation bed, a large container, or a conservatory. Give a little shade to keep the pale variegation from scorching in fierce sun, and pair with dark-leaved companions that throw the gold forward. Grown for foliage first, this is an evergreen that earns a place every month of the year.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–9
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, Acid
- Mature size
- Height 5–6 Feet · Spread 3–4 Feet
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
Single, white, fragrant, summer, sparse
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.