I was going to add this picture to my old gardenia thread here, but can't find it, so here's a new one. I almost missed this first bloom of the season, as it was facing the window in a room I don't use often.

Can you smell it?

Lynne....its stunning

awww how beautiful !!

JONI

Lynne that is beautiful. How do you get on with it in winter? I understand they are only half hardy even here. I'm in zone 8 and our winters are milder than N.Y..

John

Thanks all!

John - I am in zone 6 here, and have to bring them in before the first frost hits. This one has been in a SW window, and only has this one bloom on it so far. Two others are in my bedroom in a south facing window - they both had spider mites very badly recently, but I hosed them down in the shower. One has numerous buds on it, but they are small. The other only had 1 bud, but I missed it when I had to go to Florida a few weeks ago to take care of my mom in the hospital. I forgot to ask my husband to water my plants, and that's something he would never think to do on his own. So... the 1 bud was just opening when I left, and was dried, black when I returned. That is the 1 plant that lost many leaves when dried out, and I'm hoping it will recover now that I'm back to baby it.

Ohh Lynne That is simply stunning!! The picture is awesome Like I could just reach in and grab it!! I know it smells wonderful!!!

I am going to sue you for £1.85 Lynne.

My gardenia is also beginning to bloom and my kitchen smells terrific. This bush must have 50-60 buds so I am in for a real treat. I recently sprayed it with an insecticidal soap to ward off the white fly. It is quite large about 40 inches across and about 36 inches high above the pot I have it in - a real monster. Last year I did not turn it during the winter and it only bloomed on one side. This year I turned it every 2 weeks and it has buds on both sides.