I have both varieties in my garden (windward Oahu, Kaneohe). Both were acquired from local botanical gardens, the tree form from Ho'omal...Read Moreuhia, and the bush from Foster Gardens, Honolulu, both at their annual plant sales.
The tree form is compact and slow-growing, having reached 4 feet and bloomed twice in 3-4 years.
The bush is enormous: 30+ feet across and 20 feet high, although in a cramped area (planted before I knew how big it got). It blooms profusely 8-10 x/ year scenting the air for blocks around. The flowers are white when they open, turn cream color the next day, and orange the third (much like a pua keni keni), holding on the bush for about 5 days to a week, and for 3-4 indoors when picked. I have not yet been successful at propagating it. I did find a seed pod once many years ago. I believe it to be pollinated by moths (do not know species of large moth with long nose?). I was told it originated outside the country but have forgotten where (15-20 years ago). There is a specimen plant at ho'omaulhia botanical garden (in Kaneohe). This is doing much better than a number of species of white gardenia in my garden. I suspect it like it wetter than most (the white gardenias develop must/ rot quite easily here, while the orange do not). i can not imagine this growing in a pot. It is enormous!
The correct name for this gardenia is Gardenia lamingtonia.
Two forms are known. Large flower and smaller.
G. tubifera is f...Read Moreive petaled and has wider, ovate petals with downturned tips. From sepals to bloom face its throat measures
3-4 inches. It is a small tree form up to 15 feet with infrequent, sparse blossom set.
G. lamingtonia grows to 20 feet with very heavy bloom set every 2-3 months in Hawaii.
I have both varieties in my garden (windward Oahu, Kaneohe). Both were acquired from local botanical gardens, the tree form from Ho'omal...Read More
The correct name for this gardenia is Gardenia lamingtonia.
Two forms are known. Large flower and smaller.
G. tubifera is f...Read More