Frost Proof Gardenia
Gardenia jasminoides 'Frostproof'
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Plant Profile & Growing Essentials
Cold hardy, Evergreen, Compact/Dwarf, Fragrant, Flowering, Heat Tolerant, and Container Friendly
-
Botanical Name
-
Height
-
Width
-
Growing Zones
-
Sunlight
-
Growth RateModerate
-
Flower Color
-
Leaf Color
-
Fall Color
-
Pollinator FriendlyYes
-
FragrantYes
-
Bloom PeriodLate Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer
-
Does Not Ship ToAK, HI, ID, MT
Frost Proof Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'Frostproof') is the most cold hardy gardenia available, bringing legendary Southern charm to Northern landscapes. This hardy gardenia thrives in zone 7 and even survives in protected zone 6 locations with proper siting, offering gardeners far beyond the Deep South a chance to grow true gardenias with that intoxicating fragrance. The exceptional cold tolerance of this winter hardy gardenia makes it a breakthrough for colder climates where standard gardenia varieties simply won't survive.
The Ultimate Cold Hardy Gardenia
Gardenia cold tolerance varies widely by cultivar, but 'Frostproof' sets the standard for hardiness. While typical gardenias struggle below 20°F, this cold hardy gardenia withstands temperatures down to 0-10°F, making it the best gardenia for zone 7 gardens. In zone 6, protection from winter winds and a thick layer of mulch allows this winter hardy gardenia to survive and thrive. The glossy evergreen foliage provides year-round structure in zones 8-10, while zone 7 gardeners may see some winter leaf drop with vigorous spring recovery.
Fragrant White Blooms on a Compact Gardenia Shrub
This gardenia shrub produces pristine white flowers from late spring through summer, each bloom releasing the classic gardenia perfume that gardeners treasure. The 2-3 inch flowers open creamy white and mature to soft ivory, creating a stunning display against the dark green foliage. At 3-4 feet tall with a slightly wider spread, Frost Proof Gardenia fits perfectly into modern landscapes as a compact gardenia shrub for foundation plantings, containers, or low hedges.
Deer Resistant and Low Maintenance
Are gardenias deer resistant? Yes, and Frost Proof Gardenia maintains this natural protection. Deer typically avoid this gardenia shrub due to bitter compounds in the foliage, making it ideal for gardens where deer pressure is a concern. The gardenia deer resistant qualities, combined with moderate growth rate and minimal pruning requirements, create a low-maintenance evergreen shrub for busy gardeners.
Perfect for Hedges and Foundation Plantings
The uniform growth habit makes Frost Proof Gardenia an excellent choice for a frost proof gardenia hedge. Space plants 4-5 feet apart for a fragrant border that requires minimal shaping. Light pruning after flowering maintains the hedge form while preserving next season's blooms. Foundation plantings near entryways showcase the fragrance up close, while the deer resistant nature means you won't wake up to damaged plants.
Container Growing for Zone 6 Gardens
For gardeners asking about a zone 6 gardenia, containers offer the perfect solution. Plant in large pots (at least 16 inches) with acidic potting mix and move to protected locations during harsh winter weather. Container-grown plants can spend summers on patios where the fragrance creates an outdoor living experience, then winter in unheated garages or against warm foundation walls in zone 6.
Year-Round Evergreen Structure
The glossy green foliage of this hardy gardenia provides structure throughout the year. In zones 8-10, the evergreen leaves maintain their polish through winter. Zone 7 gardeners may see some leaf drop during extreme cold snaps, but plants leaf out vigorously in spring. The winter hardy gardenia characteristics mean you can count on this plant returning year after year, unlike tender varieties that decline after one harsh winter.
This cold hardy gardenia belongs in any landscape where fragrance, beauty, and reliability matter. Whether you're looking for a gardenia for zone 7, need a deer resistant foundation plant, or want to create a fragrant hedge, Frost Proof Gardenia delivers Southern charm with Northern toughness.
