Gardenias need acid soil and thrive in the presence of other acid-loving plants such as azaleas, camellias, and ferns. Planting gardenias can be a challenging task, but doing so in the company of other acid-loving plants like ferns, azaleas, or camellias can make the job easier.
Gardenias’ sweet-smelling flowers require an acidic environment, which these plants are adapted to live in. When adding other plants to the garden, you should aim to create a habitat that can support your gardenias too. Gardenias can serve as focal points or hedges, and produce blooms that last for weeks.
Incorporating other plants in the garden can provide even more colour and enhance an already visually appealing environment. In this article, we will explore the optimal plants to complement gardenias and help them thrive.

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1. Jasmine
Planting jasmine with gardenias can not only add a beautiful scent to your garden but also provide a few benefits. Jasmine is known for repelling pests like ants and mosquitoes, so it can help keep your gardenia plants safe from unwanted visitors.
Additionally, planting jasmine can help attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can aid in pollinating your garden. When planting jasmine, make sure to keep it at least 6 feet away from your gardenias, as it can spread quickly and may compete for nutrients with your gardenias.
Finally, pruning jasmine regularly can help keep it from overtaking your garden and will encourage new growth and flowering.
2. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas can be great companions for gardenias due to their similar soil and light requirements. They come in an array of colors and can add a lovely pop of color to your garden. When planting hydrangeas with gardenias, make sure to give them enough space to grow, as they can both get quite large.
You can also create a beautiful contrast by planting white gardenias with blue or pink hydrangeas. Remember to keep the soil acidic for both plants with regular applications of a balanced fertilizer. With these tips, you can create a stunning garden with gardenias and hydrangeas working together in harmony.
3. Lily Of The Valley
Lily of the valley is an excellent choice as a companion plant for gardenias. They thrive in the same soil ph level as gardenias, which is between 5. 0 and 6. 0. Lily of the valley also adds a beautiful fragrance to the garden.
When planting them together, be sure to give lily of the valley enough space to spread out, but keep them away from the base of the gardenia plant as this can lead to competition for nutrients. Additionally, lily of the valley prefers partial to full shade and moist soil, so make sure they receive enough water during the growing season.
Pairing gardenias with lily of the valley is an excellent way to enhance your garden’s beauty and fragrance.
4. Azaleas
Gardenias are beautiful flowering shrubs that require care and attention to grow healthy and strong. One way to enhance their appearance is by planting them alongside compatible companion plants. Azaleas are one such plant that complements gardenias well. These shrubs are also acid-loving, making them an ideal match as gardenias require acidic soil.
When planting gardenias with azaleas, make sure to follow specific guidelines. Firstly, select only azalea varieties that have the same cultural requirements as gardenias. Secondly, maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil. Thirdly, make sure to mulch the area with organic material.
Finally, ensure they both receive sufficient sunlight without becoming too hot. With these guidelines, planting azaleas with gardenias can create a stunning and healthy garden display.
5. Ferns
Ferns are ideal companion plants for gardenias due to their shade-loving nature. They are easy to care for, grow well in acidic soil conditions, and provide a stunning contrast against gardenia’s glossy leaves and fragrant blooms. Some of the best ferns to plant with gardenias include japanese painted fern, autumn fern, and lady fern.
Japanese painted ferns are known for their delicate fronds, which range in color from silver to purple, while autumn ferns are noted for their coppery-red foliage, and lady ferns feature lacy green fronds that create a soft, airy effect in the garden.
Planting ferns alongside gardenias ensures a visually appealing garden bed that is both low-maintenance and long-lasting.
Conclusion
After going through this article, you now have a clear understanding of what to plant with gardenias. Gardenias are beautiful and fragrant flowers that require certain kinds of plants to thrive. They require enough sunlight, well-draining soil, and most importantly, plants that create an optimum environment for their growth.
You can try planting companion flowers like azaleas, camellias, jasmine, and hydrangeas. These plants will help maintain an ideal growth environment by providing shade, improving soil nutrition, and deterring pests. Remember, it is important to research the plants you choose to ensure they are suitable and complement your gardenias.
By carefully selecting companion plants for your gardenias, you can create a harmonious and visually appealing garden that is sure to impress. Happy planting!