Gardenia augusta

Gardenia, Cape Jasmine

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

This is purity, to accept no other influence but only the influence of the Divine.

The Mother, Words of the Mother - II: Purity

One is truly perfectly pure only when the whole being, in all its elements and all its movements, adheres fully, exclusively, to the divine Will. This indeed is total purity. It does not depend on any moral or social law, any mental convention of any kind. It depends exclusively on this: when all the elements and all the movements of the being adhere exclusively and totally to the divine Will.

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1954: 22 December 1954

What I call purity, the true purity, is not all those things morality teaches: it is non-ego.

There must be nothing but Him.

Him, not only because we have given Him everything and consecrated ourselves totally to Him (that is not enough), but Him because He has taken total possession of the human instrument.

The Mother, Mother's Agenda: May 21, 1960

There is a force of purity, not the purity of the moralist, but an essential purity of spirit, in the very substance of the being.

Sri Aurobindo, Letters on Yoga - IV: Sex

Varieties

Message of the Flower

Radiating Purity

The Mother’s Comment

It charms and fascinates. It makes all Nature fragrant.

Colour

White, yellow

Message of the Flower

Perfect Radiating Purity

The Mother’s Comment

Nothing escapes its action.

Colour

White

Family

Rubiaceae

Cultivars

Numerous, including 'Mystery', 'Veitchii', 'Radicans', and 'Aimee Yoshioka'

Person who named the flower

(L.) Merr.

Flower Size

Can range from 2 to 4 inches across

Flower Texture

Waxy and smooth

Number of Petals

Varies; single forms have 5-6 petals, double forms have many more

Floral Symmetry

Radially symmetrical

Fragrance of Flower

Strongly fragrant, especially in the evening

Leaf Texture

Glossy and leathery

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite or in whorls

Leaf Color

Dark green.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Shrub, can be trained as a small tree.

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Late spring to early summer, with sporadic blooms thereafter

Climate

Prefers warm, humid subtropical to tropical climates

Water Requirements

Moderate, prefers consistently moist soil

Soil Type

Well-drained, rich, acidic soil

Temperature Ranges

Above 60F (15C) for optimal growth; frost-sensitive

Sun or Shade

Prefers partial shade to full sun with protection from the hottest rays

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and fungal diseases like root rot and sooty mold

Pollinators

Attracts bees and other pollinating insects

Habitat

Native to Asia, widely cultivated in suitable climates worldwide

Role in the Ecosystem

Ornamental use primarily; provides habitat and nectar for pollinators

Ornamental

Widely grown as an ornamental plant for its flowers and foliage

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Primarily ornamental; some use in perfumery

Endangered Status

Not considered endangered.

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