I know I said I want a double - and First Love is beautiful (even if it has a short bloom cycle) - but what do you think of Gardenia taitensis?

I have always been fascinated by the lei flowers...
(probably because us gardeners always want to grow what we can't...)

See:
http://moorea.berkeley.edu/flora/dicots.html
and
http://www.rareflora.com/gardeniata.htm

A user on davesgarden seems to indicate it may be hardier than it first appears.

I can't offer the heat, but I can ensure it won't get too cold. I am successfully growing:
Allamanda cathartica var. 'Williamsii' "Golden Trumpet"
Arauija sericofera
Brunfelsia jamaicensis
Choisya ternata
Gelsemium sempervirens
Polianthes tuberosa
and a variety of subtropicals.

What do you think of my chance of growing this famously fragrant plant?

Regards to all.

Sir Middleton: I used to travel to Washington State. The nursery person there mentioned to me that Gardenia was not doing great there. His gardenia stocks were set at a semi-green house area( imported from California). It is hard to fight against nature. (If you move to my area, gardenia can grow and flower esily everwhere.) If it is possible, set up a small passive green house. You will be amazed to feel less chill wind, higher humidity and warmer(even short duration of sunlight) that many plants would love to live there. Monrovir's Gardenia must be propagated at inland hot area. It should be looking good on display at your nearby nursery. But you have to grow it that will be different story.

My training is not in horticulture. I just have fun in my yard. You have a collection of success to grow many plants. Your ideas shall be very informative to others.

mrmiddleton,

Here is the link of a previous GW discussion http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fragrant/msg0320240519850.html

Sir Mrmiddleton, Do you have space for fragrant Rhododendron such as R. fragrantissimum, etc. You can cross your legs on table and the plant will produce fragrant flowers for you.
Investgate possibilities to grow gardenia indoor by the window. It will be cool that you can develop a mini-economical system to grow gardenia.

I do have a cold frame that I can use - but while it is wide (8') - it is not tall (3'). I would have to adjust the mister I use in it for propagation - but perhaps I could use it to get over the bad weather times of year (like Summer).

Unfortunately, I have the standard SF lot - 150' x 50' - and already have a small orchard on it (dozen fruit trees) - so Rhodies are out of the question!

We are getting married next May, so I love the idea of growing a Gardenia for our wedding...

snasxs, Thank you so much for the excellent link.
Great discussion.

I have both forms of tuberosa and as well as moonflower vines, so that gives me some context for the scent. Based on your link, I think I'll pass on taitensis.

The desire for a Gardenia was from fiancee - so I'm trying to honor her request. I am beginning to think the bloom on First Love may actually be too big, and I should look at smaller, more traditional forms of the flower which have a longer blooming season.

I prefer to grow outdoors, but am giving in to the idea that this is one plant that may have to spend a lot of time in the more controlled environment of my garage with my orchids under the flourescents or metal halide lamp. Shame, I have an awful lot of plants in pots already...

There are still more ideas just for thinking. Your cold frame might(?) be able to accommodate the size of 'Chinese Classical Orchid'. Because you are particular about fragrance. In your life time, you shoud have a chance to smell the fragrance. The quality( not intensity) of the scent to me is superior than Gardenia and Michelia alba. It is rated top tier flower over 2,000 years ago as it is today. I might go to China to attend their Classical Orchid Symposium next March.
Back to Gardenia, there is possible an option from Nuccio's Nurseries at 626-794-3383. Ask them about the variety of Daruma( dwarf and slow growing) and 4-Seasons.

What is a "Chinese celestral orchid?"

A web site has 'Chinese Cymbidium' section. The flower lasts for a few weeks. It is all for the fragrance. The plant is graceful and the flower stands as first tier class for thousands of years in China.

Winterview Orchids
P.O. Box 153
St. Helena, CA 94574
E-mail: Sales@Winterview.com
Tele/Fax: 707-963-8681

Try:

www.Winterview.com

Thank you so much.