Native to the stream banks of southern China and Japan, Gardenia jasminoides has traveled the world on the strength of its perfume alone. Its blooms are creamy white and waxy, emerging from spiral buds above a canopy of dark, emerald-green leaves with the deep gloss of polished leather. In zones 7 through 11, this 4-to-8-foot shrub earns a permanent place in the landscape, particularly near a path, a porch, or a window left open on warm evenings.

Gardenias repay careful siting with decades of performance, but they are particular: they need rich, acidic, well-drained soil, protection from harsh winds, and freedom from competing tree roots. Pruning is best done in spring just after flowering, removing spent blooms and any awkward growth before new buds set. Skip fall fertilizing — a late flush of tender growth is one of the surest ways to invite winter damage. Bees find the flowers irresistible, and the plant returns the favor with reliable deer resistance.