Gardenia vs Jasmine, let’s find out. Many people mistakenly believe that jasmine and gardenia flowers are the same. Particularly in terms of traits.
However, there are other distinctions between the two that are not always obvious. Both are lovely flowers to have in our gardens. They both smell amazing, the leaves look a little alike, and it can be difficult to tell which is whose.
Let’s learn about their distinctions.
Jasmine vs Gardenia
The more time you spend in the presence of these two blooms, the easier it will be to distinguish between them. Here is a comparison of the fundamental characteristics of these two lovely blooms.
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Season of Flowering
These two flowers can’t both bloom and flower at the same time. It’s a long season for jasmine, which might persist until November. More than three blossoms will emerge from the branch, and they will not disperse. This is not the case with the gardenias.
Gardenias have a short blooming season that flies by as the year progresses. Unlike jasmine, each brand only contains one blossom. Its pointed bracts diverge in five directions in a flat pinwheel pattern. Jasmine blossoms are tubular rather than double-petaled.
Branches and Stems
The stems of gardenias are often lighter to gray, but the stems of jasmines are darker. On the other hand, Jasmines’ branches have a proclivity for climbing and winding themselves around other plants or objects.
Gardenia is a shrubby plant with stiff, rigid branches. Gardenia plants can be poisonous. Because of the milky sap, having them in the yard, especially where youngsters may access them is not a good idea.
Sweetness of Scent
The aroma of jasmine is strong, however, it differs depending on the type of jasmine. Gardenias, on the other hand, are a soothing and tropical flower. It can be difficult to distinguish ripe bananas from gardenias, which are their natural fragrance.
Leaves
Jasmine has shorter leaves that are a deep dark green color. The leaves of gardenia are on the lengthier side. They can grow to be up to 12 cm long. The color is brighter, and the texture is strong and mature.
Fruits
Jasmines are delicate and petite, as you may have seen. This also applies to their fruits. They have a spherical shape and are tiny. Its purple color is appealing, and despite the fact that they are not edible, they appear to be succulent.
The fruits of gardenias are oval and egg-shaped. They are large in size, ranging from 1 to 7 centimeters in length. Gardenia fruits are generally yellow or orange-red in hue. It all relies on the plant’s health.
Family
Although both plants belong to the tracheophytes group, they are not related. Gardenias are members of the Rubiaceae family, whereas Jasmines are members of the Oleaceae family.
Type
Gardenia is a shrub that grows no more than five feet tall and can reach a height of 15 feet in warm areas. Jasmine is a climbing vine that can reach a height of 15 feet in warm climates.
Uses
Gardenia is most typically used in perfumes and aromatherapy, whereas jasmine is utilized in a variety of cuisines. Both jasmine and gardenia are used in teas, although jasmine is more commonly utilized in perfumes.
What smells better; Jasmine or Gardenia?
The quality of a perfume is entirely dependent on who is smelling it. The aromas of jasmine and gardenia are both delightful. The aroma of gardenia is stronger and more distinct. It sticks out, and we may say that it is more ladylike and immediately recognizable.
On the other hand, jasmine has a pleasant undertone fragrance. The earthy aroma is lovely. It does not overpower other odors, unlike gardenia.
Are Gardenias and Jasmine Related?
Despite the fact that both Gardenias and Jasmines have white blossoms and strong smells, they are not related.
The fact that the common Gardenia plant is termed Gardenia jasminoides contributes to the misunderstanding around this topic (Cape Jasmine). Despite the fact that it bears the name “Jasmine,” this plant is actually a Gardenia and has nothing to do with the Jasminum genus.
On that topic, despite not belonging to the Jasminum genus, Cape Jasmine isn’t the only plant with the word “Jasmine” in its name. Mandevilla sanderi (Brazilian Jasmine) belongs to the Mandevilla genus despite being called Jasmine.
