August Beauty

Is this a Butcher’s Broom plant?

No, the August Beauty plant and the Butcher's Broom plant are not the same and are known by different names.

August Beauty:

• Botanical Name: Gardenia jasminoides 'August Beauty'
• Common Name: August Beauty Gardenia
• Characteristics: This plant is a type of gardenia known for its large, fragrant white flowers and glossy, evergreen leaves. It is popular for its beautiful, long-lasting blooms and is commonly grown in warmer climates (USDA Zones 7-11).

Butcher's Broom:

• Botanical Name: Ruscus aculeatus
• Common Name: Butcher's Broom
• Characteristics: Butcher's Broom is a small, tough evergreen shrub known for its spiny, stiff leaves (actually modified stems called cladodes) and small red berries. It is commonly used in traditional medicine and as a ground cover or ornamental plant in shaded areas.

Summary:

August Beauty is a type of gardenia, while Butcher's Broom is a different plant species entirely. They have different botanical names, appearances, and uses.

Full height and width? Hardy zones? Deer resistant? Fast grower?

The 3 gallon august beauty plant is 2 feet in height from the bottom of the bucket to the top of the plant. The width of the plant is about 1 foot in width.

Hardiness Zones:

• August Beauty Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'August Beauty') is hardy in USDA Zones 7-11. In these zones, it can thrive outdoors year-round.

Deer Resistance:

• Moderately Deer Resistant:
  • Gardenias, including August Beauty, are considered moderately deer-resistant. While they are not a deer's first choice, hungry deer may still browse on them, especially in areas with high deer populations and limited food sources.

Growth Rate:

• Moderate Growth Rate:
  • August Beauty Gardenia is not a fast grower. It has a moderate growth rate, typically adding 6-12 inches of growth per year under optimal conditions. With proper care, including regular watering, feeding, and pruning, it can reach its mature size of about 4-6 feet tall and wide over several years.

Summary:

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 7-11
• Deer Resistance: Moderately deer-resistant, but not deer-proof.
• Growth Rate: Moderate; it grows steadily but not rapidly.

Green in winter?

Yes, August Beauty Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'August Beauty') is an evergreen shrub, which means it stays green throughout the winter. This variety is known for its glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers that typically bloom in late spring to early summer.

Winter Considerations:

• Hardiness: August Beauty Gardenia is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11. In these zones, the plant remains green year-round.
• Cold Tolerance: While the plant is evergreen, in regions at the colder end of its hardiness range (Zone 8), it might experience some leaf drop or browning during particularly harsh winters. However, it generally retains most of its foliage.

In summary, August Beauty Gardenia should remain green in the winter as long as it is planted within its hardiness range.

Is this a perennial

Yes, the August Beauty Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'August Beauty') is a perennial in USDA Zones 8 to 11. It is known for its fragrant white blooms that appear throughout the summer and sometimes into early fall. In these warmer zones, it will return year after year, adding beauty and a delightful fragrance to your garden. August Beauty Gardenia thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining, acidic soil. In cooler climates, it may need to be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter months.

If I can't move my pot inside during winter what should I do? Will this stay evergreen in Oregon winter? We usually freeze a couple times for short periods here on the coast.

If you can't move your potted August Beauty Gardenia inside during the winter, it's essential to protect it from freezing temperatures. Cover the plant with frost cloth or blankets during cold snaps, and consider insulating the pot with bubble wrap or burlap to protect the roots. Place the pot in a sheltered location, such as near a wall, to minimize exposure to the wind.

While August Beauty Gardenias are evergreen, they may lose some leaves if exposed to frost. In Oregon's coastal winters, which experience occasional freezes, the plant should generally stay evergreen but could suffer from cold damage if not properly protected.