The ‘True Love’ Standard is a fantastic feature plant, created by grafting the compact Gardenia ‘True Love’ shrub variety onto a tall, straight stem (the standard). This presents the plant’s best features—the dense, glossy, dark-green foliage and the spectacularly large, double white flowers—at eye level. It offers one of the strongest, sweetest perfumes in the garden, with blooms appearing prolifically from spring through to early summer. Its compact growth habit ensures the ball shape remains neat and manageable, providing a refined, formal look ideal for architectural or traditional settings.
Care (Specifically for a Standard):
- Position: Needs a warm, sheltered spot that receives morning sun and is protected from the intense heat of the Australian afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves and flowers. Protection from strong winds is also important to maintain the shape of the head.
- Potting Mix (Crucial for Pots): Use a high-quality, acidic potting mix specifically designed for Camellias, Azaleas, and Gardenias. Do not use generic potting mix, as the soil pH will be too high, leading to yellowing leaves.
- Watering: As a standard in a pot, it is more susceptible to drying out than one in the ground. Water regularly and deeply to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Increase frequency dramatically during hot weather.
- Feeding: The head of the plant is dense and hungry! Feed in spring and summer with a slow-release fertiliser for acid-loving plants. Apply a liquid feed (like seaweed solution) every few weeks during the flowering period to encourage maximum blooms and combat yellowing leaves (chlorosis).
- Pruning: The standard shape needs maintenance. Prune the head lightly immediately after the main flush of flowering has finished (late summer/early autumn) to maintain the perfect ball shape. Remove any shoots (suckers) that grow from the main upright trunk below the graft point.
- Staking: Always ensure the trunk is securely staked, especially when young, to support the heavy head and protect it from strong winds.
Usage:
- Feature Pots: Place one on each side of a front door, a gateway, or at the top of a set of steps for instant, scented formality.
- Patio and Balcony: Ideal for adding height and fragrance to paved areas where space is limited.
- Formal Gardens: Use along the front of a border or flanking a statue or fountain to provide structural elegance.
