Gardenia
Common Names: Gardenia, Cape Jasmine
Botanical names: Gardenia, (gar-DEE-nee-ah)
Availability: Year round
Vase life: 1 to 3 days
Storage temperatures: Can be stored at high humidity for 2 weeks at 32-36 F.
Ethylene Sensitive: Yes
Description: Highly fragrant, multi-petaled waxy flowers.
Color: White, cream
Botanical facts: The Gardenia is native to China and was named after Dr. Alexander Garden (1730-1791), a South Carolina physician and botanist.
Design notes: Gardenias are used primarily for corsages and wedding work.
Purchasing hints: Commercially grown gardenia blossoms are packaged in special boxes for shipping. These boxes are designed to hold high humidity and keep the blossom from damage. Select the whitest blossoms. Avoid blossoms that are wrinkled or showing any browning.
Conditioning: Gardenias can be held for up to one week in their original shipping box if stored at 34 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit. When ready to use, unpack and float the blossom in room temperature water. Moisten hands when working with the blossoms. Handle the gardenias as little as possible. Touching the petals causes bruising and browning. After designing, spray the blossom with Crowning Glory.
Additional notes: Be aware that some people are allergic to this very fragrant flower.
Video Demonstration: