My gardenia "Klehm's Hardy" has been really tough so far -- it actually stayed out in a 12" container all winter, though it was a mild one -- and had minor leaf damage. I did cover it with trash bags and old rugs when it got really cold and windy.

Because it's sold as a "hardy" gardenia no one thinks about it as an indoor plant, but in my book, tough and hardy outdoors translates to "less killable" indoors. The only drawback I can see is it won't be as densely foliated as the tender varieties, but you're growing it for the flowers, right?

I would also check with Woodlanders and Nurseries Caroliniana, who do a lot of business in your climate and sell a lot of gardenias, to get more info.

Regarding keeping your gardenia alive during the winter . . . that's a whole 'nother topic, one that's addressed periodically here, so look through recent posts and the FAQ for lots more advice!

Jim

Thanks! I had figured that the outdoor variety would be less happy inside over the winter. Yep, I don't particularly care about less dense foliage!

Oh yeah, I've seen the suicidal gardenia thread, and I've read all the tips for keeping them alive. If only I had the right climate--I saw gardenias as big as me, covered in blooms in parking lots in Georgia!

Thanks!