Tiare (Tahitian gardenia) Gardenia taitensis
Tiare (Tahitian gardenia) (Gardenia taitensis) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Rubiaceae family, native to Melanesia and western Polynesia. It grows 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 7 °C (45 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Tiare (Tahitian gardenia) in your garden →
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Tiare (Tahitian gardenia) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 7 °C (45 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–156 weeks after planting, for 29–47 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Melanesia and western Polynesia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇵🇭 Philippines |
Is Tiare (Tahitian gardenia) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, fruit
ASPCA lists gardenias as mildly toxic to cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Tiare (Tahitian gardenia)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Tiare (Tahitian gardenia)
- How far apart should I plant Tiare (Tahitian gardenia)?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Tiare (Tahitian gardenia) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tiare (Tahitian gardenia) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tiare (Tahitian gardenia)?
- It tolerates about 7 °C (45 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Tiare (Tahitian gardenia) flower?
- About 104–156 weeks after planting, for 29–47 weeks.
- Is Tiare (Tahitian gardenia) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. ASPCA lists gardenias as mildly toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Tiare (Tahitian gardenia)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tiare (Tahitian gardenia). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plant database and Hawaiian native plants, National Tropical Botanical Garden (Kauaʻi)
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- National flower of French Polynesia and the scent of monoï oil; pinwheel white flowers worn behind the ear. Frost-free only.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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