Gardenia Plant Zones

Gardenias are often used as cut flowers and in traditional Hawaiian leis.


Gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides) are an evergreen shrub known for their soft, white blooms and intoxicating sweet fragrance. Gardenia can be grown outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. They also do well as a potted indoor plant if you take steps to replicate their ideal growing conditions.

USDA Hardiness Zones

The USDA hardiness zone map was developed to help gardeners compare their climates with the climate a particular plant is known to grow well in. The map divides the United States into 11 zones based on the average winter temperatures, with each zone 10 degrees warmer or colder than the next. Zone 8 (the coldest zone gardenia will grow in) has mild winter temperatures, with the average extreme cold temperature between 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.


Climates in the southern United States and along the West Coast are ideal for gardenia. Gardenia grows best in warm, humid climates with mild winter temperatures and little chance of frost. Specifically, gardenias thrive in daytime temperatures between 68 to 74 degrees and nighttime temperatures of 60 degrees. Providing partial shade for gardenias through late spring to early fall will prevent damage from high heat.


High humidity is essential for gardenia. They need a steady supple of moist air to reach their full potential. You can increase humidity by covering the soil at the base of your gardenias with pebbles or stones and then wetting them in the morning. The water will evaporate from the stones, adding humidity to the air. Keep your soil moist but not soaking, which will also aid humidity. Never spray the foliage of gardenia with water because this can cause rot and make them susceptible to disease.

Growing Indoors

To grow gardenia indoors you need to mimic their ideal outdoor climate in your home. Put potted gardenias in a place where they will get six to eight hours of bright sunlight a day. Keep your room temperatures around 65 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night. Set up a humidifier near your gardenias, place them on a bed of moist rocks and water them regularly.

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