Gardenia: The Scent of Summer

Ahh—their heavenly fragrance, lush creamy petals, and glossy green foliage. Gardenias are an intoxicating flower that has launched countless perfumes, living room color schemes, and garden parterres. Bringing them into your life is easy, either with the living plant or with these gardenia-inspired products. And psst—Mother’s Day is coming up; there are some good gift ideas here!

Gardenias can be grown in almost any climate; though in northern climes it’s safer to keep them indoors during the winter. White Flower Farm sells a small topiary gardenia that is perfect for patios or townhome balconies.

British fragrance entrepreneur Jo Malone’s new venture, Jo Loves, has introduced Gardenia, a luxurious and fresh interpretation of the flower.  Malone suggests wearing it "on a beautiful summer evening under the stars." Her impeccable taste in packaging adds to this line’s beauty.

Billie Holiday’s trademark hair accessory: a spray of gardenias. A fitting choice as her silky voice recalls Southern gardens and the heavy scent of gardenias. The four CD Original Masters series showcases some of her best work with major Jazz legends including 'I Wished on The Moon', 'Summertime', 'St. Louis Blues', 'Night & Day' and more.

Etsy seller Old Art Printables offers botanical prints that can be grouped in sets or displayed singly. The Cape Jasmine White Gardenia vintage illustration is an example of their charming reproductions.

New York-based LAFCO is a fashionista favorite for their plant-based beauty and fragrance products. Their signature 15.5 oz Fresh Cut Gardenia candle is hand-poured, promises a 90-hour burn life, and come in a hand-blown art glass vessel.

The ultimate luxury is the real thing. But finding gardenias through a florist is difficult. High Camp Supply will ship freshly-cut gardenias from their California farm anywhere in the US—a demanding process that is theirs alone. Their Vine and Bloom box is a favorite, but they can customize special orders. Oprah is a huge fan.  

photos courtesy of: highcampsupply.com, whiteflowerfarm.com, joloves.com, amazon.com, etsy.com, lafco.com