GARDENIA

Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), a tropical broadleaf evergreen shrub, is typically grown as a large, indoor houseplant because its blooms smell magnificent. In fact, few natural scents are as evocative and memorable as the smell of this coveted plant. If it wasn’t for the plant’s fragrant appeal, however, few gardeners would attempt to grow the high-maintenance gardenia, commonly found only in conservatories and commercial greenhouses. Still, if you’re up for the challenge, even a few months of blooms make it a worthwhile endeavor.