Where to Buy Gardenia Plants for Growing Indoors

With their intoxicating fragrance and elegant white blooms, gardenia plants are a dream to have indoors. But finding healthy gardenia plants for sale can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. While garden centers typically only sell them seasonally, you have to be wary of poor quality plants shipped from mass producers online.

Luckily, I’ve discovered some excellent sources to buy indoor gardenia plants From mail order specialists to local nurseries, these sellers offer vigorous, floriferous gardenia varieties perfect for growing inside Keep reading to learn where to buy indoor gardenia plants and get tips for choosing top-quality specimens.

Buying Gardenia Plants Online

Ordering gardenias online opens up a world of plant possibilities, allowing you to shop from specialty growers across the country. Reputable mail order nurseries ship healthy, established plants ready to thrive indoors. Here are my favorite online sources:

Direct from Specialty Growers

Several companies focus specifically on growing and shipping gardenias and other tropical plants nationwide Their plants are carefully propagated and nurtured to produce flowers indoors Try these specialty growers

• Glasshouse Works – This family-owned tropical plant nursery offers hard-to-find gardenia varieties suitable for indoor growing, like compact ‘Radicans’ and fragrant, cold-hardy ‘Frostproof’

• Gabriella Plants – Known for unique tropicals and foliage, Gabriella sells gardenia standards with tree-like forms. Try their ‘Heaven Scent’ standard for captivating structure and flowers.

• Logee’s – A leading source for rare tropicals, Logee’s collection includes gardenia standards and hard-to-find varieties like frilly double-flowered ‘Golden Magic’.

• Nature Hills Nursery – For gorgeous gardenia shrubs, Nature Hills has a great selection of potted indoor gardenia plants. Grow fragrant ‘Kleim’s Hardy’ or elegant ‘Chuck Hayes’.

Online Plant Marketplaces

Large online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon offer gardenias from various smaller vendors and growers. Prices and plant sizes vary. Focus on sellers with excellent reviews and happy customers.

• Etsy – Individual artisan growers on Etsy sell gardenia plants and cuttings. Search for sellers located in your climate zone for better plant acclimation.

• Amazon – Reputable third-party vendors on Amazon ship gardenias nationwide. Sort by Prime eligibility for quick shipping. Read ratings and reviews carefully.

No matter where you order plants online, inspect them immediately upon arrival. Look for healthy foliage and damage-free stems. If plants look leggy or poorly packed, return them right away.

Finding Gardenias at Local Stores

Shopping for gardenias in person allows you to hand pick the best looking plants. Visit these local sellers:

Independent Garden Centers

Privately owned garden centers typically offer the widest plant selection and best quality. Their gardenia plants are often grown on-site or sourced from small regional growers. Expert staff can also advise you on the best varieties for indoor growing.

Nurseries and Greenhouses

Local nurseries and commercial greenhouses sell gardenias seasonally, usually in late spring through summer. Inspect plants closely to avoid root bound or neglected specimens. Ask when plants arrived and about their proper care.

Home Improvement Stores

Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s bring in masses of gardenias each spring. Focus on finding the healthiest plants that aren’t wilting or overwatered. Avoid any covered in pests. Their plant warranties can offer peace of mind.

Supermarkets and Florists

Some supermarkets and florists sell small gardenia plants alongside cut flowers. These are typically not the best option since the plants often lack proper care. But you may luck out and find a healthy plant worth nurturing.

Wherever you shop locally, carefully inspect each plant. Look for vigorous green growth without any yellowing leaves, wilting, or pests. Also check that the plant is not rootbound.

What to Look For When Buying Indoor Gardenia Plants

Gardenias are available year-round online, while most local stores sell them seasonally in spring and summer. Whenever you shop, look for:

• Healthy leaves – Leaves should be glossy and deep green without brown spots. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves.

• Robust structure – Stems should stand upright without drooping or damage. Growth should not appear overly leggy or weak.

• Good roots – Check that roots are white, firm, and not emerging from drainage holes, which indicates root bound plants.

• Fragrance – Give plants a sniff. Gardenias should have a sweet, intoxicating floral scent. Pass on any with no fragrance.

• Pest free – Inspect closely for signs of insects like whiteflies, mealybugs, or spider mites, which can plague gardenias.

• Blooms – Flower buds and blooms are a good sign, but new plants may not have any. Focus on overall health.

• Proper labeling – Ensure the plant is labeled as a gardenia suited to indoor growing and containers.

By shopping carefully and choosing plants that check all the boxes for vigor, you will set your indoor gardenia up for success. With a little TLC, it will soon perfume your home with fabulous flowers.