Gardenia
Gardenia is a glossy-leaved evergreen shrub prized for its ivory, rose-form blooms and one of the richest fragrances in floristry. Its creamy, tightly furled petals bruise to brown at the lightest touch, so it is reserved for high-end work where its perfume and elegance justify the care. Florists use single blooms in corsages, boutonnieres and bridal bouquets, often wired and backed with the plant's own dark foliage. Nothing else delivers the same heady scent and jewel-like white form.
| Family | Rubiaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | East Asia (China, Japan, Vietnam) |
| Peak season | June, July, August |
| Availability | May, June, July, August, September |
| Stem length | 15–40 cm |
| Vase life | 2–5 days |
| Colors | white, cream |
| Price tier | premium |
Handle gardenia blooms only by the stem or calyx — fingerprints turn the petals brown within hours. Cut stems on a slant and place in clean, tepid water with flower food, keeping the flowers dry and untouched. Store cool (around 4-6°C) and humid, and use within a day or two of opening. For wired work, keep a damp cotton pad at the stem base to prolong freshness.
- •Never touch the petals — handle by stem or leaf
- •Keep blooms dry; water spots and bruises brown
- •Store cool and humid, use quickly
- •Recut stems and use fresh flower food
- •Wire delicate blooms for bouquets and corsages
