Gardenia jasminoides (syn. augusta) 'Crown Jewel'

A hardy gardenia with very fragrant double flowers.

Native to South Carolina, 'Crown Jewel' is a selection of Gardenia with a frost tolerance of -10° C, or even lower depending on planting conditions.
In June-July, this shrub produces very attractive double blooms giving off a powerful perfume.
Its flowers are more abundant compared with those of the parent plants, especially 'Kleim's Hardy', and sometimes come out later. Some flowers still bloom at the end of summer.
The medium-sized white flowers which can reach 6-7 cm in diameter offer a good contrast to the attractive glossy dark green leaves, smaller than in other varieties. This one stays evergreen in winter.
The shrub has a dwarf, spreading growth, compact and well-branched. It is a low grower.
'Crown Jewel' can therefore be used outside most of the time, in beds, in pots, near the house, on a terrace, a balcony, where the double flowers with their fine scent will be especially appreciated in summer.