The Dwarf Gardenia

The Dwarf Gardenia (G. 'radicans') is a variety of the common gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides, abbreviated as G.). It is a small, evergreen broadleaf shrub in the Rubiaceae family, native to East Asia, including Japan, Taiwan, and China. It can be found in the wild from Kanto westwards through Honshu to Okinawa. This plant is also known by other names such as Himekuchinashi (姫梔子, little gardenia).

In early summer, it produces fragrant, pure white flowers from clusters that extend from the branches. The flowers are wheel-shaped and split into five parts at the tips. There are both single and double-flowered varieties, with the single flowers producing fruit.

The name "Kuchinashi" means "without opening mouth," referring to the fact that the fruit does not open when ripe. The fruits turn vermillion when mature, with the remnants of six sepals at the tips. Similar to the common gardenia, the dried fruit is used as a coloring agent, food dye, and in herbal medicine. The flowers are also used in perfumes.

Difference between Gardenia and Dwarf Gardenia
The Dwarf Gardenia (G. 'radicans') is a dwarf variety of the common gardenia (G.). The Dwarf Gardenia has a lower height and smaller flowers and leaves compared to the common gardenia. It spreads horizontally instead of growing taller.

Gardenia (G.): Height: 100-150 cm, Leaf length: 10-15 cm, Flower diameter: 10 cm, Fruit length: 1.5-2 cm.
Dwarf Gardenia (G. 'radicans'): Height: 30-40 cm, Leaf length: 3-8 cm, Flower diameter: 4-5 cm, Fruit length: 1 cm.
The variety name "radicans" comes from the Latin word meaning "to take root."

Flower Language: "Purity"

Common Name: Dwarf Gardenia
Scientific Name: Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans, Gardenia augusta 'Radicans'
Other Names: Himekuchinashi (Little Gardenia), Gardenia
Classification: Kingdom Plantae, Phylum Angiosperms, Class Eudicots, Order Gentianales, Family Rubiaceae, Genus Gardenia
Origin: China, Taiwan, Japan, and other parts of East Asia
Height: 30-40 cm
Spread: 30-40 cm
Leaf Texture: Leathery with a glossy finish
Leaf Shape: Obovate with a pointed tip
Leaf Length: 3-8 cm
Leaf Margin: Entire
Leaf Arrangement: Opposite or whorled
Blooming Period: June to July
Flower Texture: Fragrant
Number of Petals: 5-6
Flower Diameter: 4-5 cm
Flower Color: White
Flower Type: Single and double
Fruiting Period: October to November
Fruit Color: Yellow to orange
Uses: Park trees, garden trees, landscape planting, rock gardens, flowers for perfumes, fruits as dyes, food coloring, and herbal medicine.

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