August Beauty Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'August Beauty') is a popular choice for garden enthusiasts looking to add fragrance and elegance to their landscape. This evergreen shrub is known for its glossy, dark green foliage and its exquisite, heavily scented white flowers. It offers a variety of benefits that make it a wonderful addition to any garden. One of the main reasons to consider using August Beauty Gardenia in your landscape is its captivating fragrance. The flowers emit a sweet, intoxicating scent that fills the air, making it a delight for outdoor spaces and garden areas. The fragrance can create a serene and relaxing atmosphere, especially during warm summer evenings when the scent is most pronounced. August Beauty Gardenia also adds visual appeal to the landscape. The glossy, deep green leaves provide year-round interest, while the abundance of white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer adds a touch of elegance and charm. These flowers not only attract the eye but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden. Caring for August Beauty Gardenia is relatively straightforward. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Ensure the planting area receives partial shade to filtered sunlight, as excessive direct sun exposure can cause leaf burn. Regular watering is essential, especially during the summer months, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the shrub helps retain soil moisture and keeps weeds at bay. Pruning can be done after the flowering period to maintain the desired shape and size of the shrub. Remove any dead or damaged branches and lightly shape the plant as needed. August Beauty Gardenia benefits from regular fertilization using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Follow the package instructions for application rates and timing.