Gardenia Professor Pucci

Gardenia augusta Professor Pucci

Gardenia ‘Professor Pucci’ is a cultivar of Gardenia jasminoides that is well-known for its large, fragrant flowers and its robust growth. Named after the Italian botanist Professor Pucci, this gardenia variety is especially prized for its ability to bloom profusely and for its striking appearance. It is often selected for use in ornamental gardens, hedges, or as a specimen plant in landscapes, especially in areas with warm climates.

Key Features of Gardenia ‘Professor Pucci’:

  1. Flowers:
    • Appearance: The flowers of Gardenia ‘Professor Pucci’ are large, creamy white and typically feature a semi-double to double structure. They can have multiple layers of petals, giving the blooms a fuller, more luxurious appearance compared to single-flowered gardenia varieties.
    • Fragrance: As with other gardenia cultivars, Professor Pucci is known for its intensely fragrant flowers. The scent is sweet, rich, and heavily perfumed, making this plant a favorite for creating aromatic garden spaces, especially in areas like patios or near walkways.
    • Blooming Season: The plant produces flowers during late spring to summer, with the blooms continuing to appear intermittently through the fall in ideal growing conditions.
  2. Growth Habit:
    • Size: Gardenia ‘Professor Pucci’ typically grows to a height of 3 to 5 feet (about 90 cm to 1.5 meters), with a spread of 3 to 4 feet (about 90 cm to 1.2 meters). It has a bushy, compact form, making it a great choice for hedges, borders, or as a feature plant in smaller gardens.
    • Shape: The plant has a dense, rounded growth habit that provides excellent structure and form, making it both a functional and aesthetic addition to the landscape.
  3. Foliage:
    • The dark green, glossy leaves of Gardenia ‘Professor Pucci’ are thick, leathery, and evergreen, providing year-round beauty, even when the plant is not in bloom.
    • These leaves are a wonderful contrast to the white flowers, helping to make the blooms stand out even more and enhancing the overall visual appeal of the plant.
  4. Climate and Growing Conditions:
    • Sunlight: This variety prefers full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, it will perform best with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
    • Soil: Gardenia ‘Professor Pucci’ prefers acidic, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. It thrives in loamy or sandy soils that retain moisture but do not become waterlogged.
  5. Care and Maintenance:
    • Watering: Gardenias like to be kept consistently moist, but they do not like to sit in water. Ensure the soil is well-drained and water deeply, especially during dry periods. Be careful not to overwater, as gardenias are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.
    • Fertilization: Fertilize Gardenia ‘Professor Pucci’ with a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants, such as those formulated for azaleas, camellias, or gardenias. Apply in early spring and again in mid-summer to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.
    • Pruning: Lightly prune after blooming to maintain the plant’s shape and remove dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning during the blooming season, as this can reduce flower production the following year.
    • Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching is particularly helpful during the summer months.
  6. Pests and Diseases:
    • Common Pests: Gardenia ‘Professor Pucci’ can attract aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and scale insects. Regular inspection and the use of insecticidal soap or horticultural oils can help manage these pests.
    • Diseases: Like other gardenias, Professor Pucci is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. Ensuring good air circulation, proper spacing, and well-drained soil can help minimize the risk of these issues. Avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal infections.
    • Yellowing Leaves: If the leaves of the plant turn yellow, it could be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen or iron. You may need to adjust the pH of the soil or provide supplemental iron or fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants.
  7. **Advantages of Gardenia ‘Professor Pucci’:
    • Fragrant Blooms: The strong, sweet fragrance of the flowers is a key attraction for this variety, making it ideal for use in fragrant gardens, along pathways, or near seating areas where the scent can be enjoyed.
    • Compact Growth: Its manageable size makes it suitable for small gardens, containers, and hedges.
    • Evergreen Foliage: The plant’s dark green, glossy leaves provide visual interest throughout the year, even when it is not in bloom.
    • Attractive Flowers: The large, double-flowered white blooms are not only fragrant but also very striking, adding beauty and elegance to any landscape.
  8. Challenges:
    • Frost Sensitivity: Like most gardenias, ‘Professor Pucci’ is sensitive to frost and should be protected from cold temperatures. If you’re growing it in an area with freezing winters, consider bringing it indoors or providing winter protection.
    • Soil Sensitivity: Gardenias prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0 to 6.5). In alkaline soils, they may develop yellowing leaves (chlorosis) due to iron deficiency. Regular soil testing and amendment may be necessary to maintain optimal growing conditions.
    • Pests and Fungal Issues: As with most gardenias, regular monitoring for pests and diseases is essential to keeping this plant healthy. Proper watering practices and good air circulation will help prevent common issues.

Gardenia ‘Professor Pucci’ is an outstanding gardenia cultivar, prized for its large, fragrant flowers and its compact, bushy growth. It is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a fragrant, ornamental shrub for borders, hedges, or containers. This variety thrives in warm, humid climates and requires well-draining, slightly acidic soil to reach its full potential. Regular care, such as proper watering, pruning, and pest management, will help ensure that this beautiful gardenia flourishes in your garden, filling the air with its signature sweet fragrance and offering stunning visual appeal year-round.

$24.25$32.95 inc. GST

In stock

Melbourne Metro deliveries cost $44.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 5 business days.

The Mornington Peninsula ** Mt Eliza to Portsea ** and Geelong deliveries cost $66.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 3 and 5 business days.

Outer Melbourne deliveries cost $132.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 3 and 7 business days.

Regional Victoria deliveries cost between $143.00 – $264.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 3 and 7 business days.

Call David Direct on 0427 047 857 to

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