gardenia

American  

[gahr-dee-nyuh, -nee-uh] / gɑrˈdi nyə, -ni ə /

noun

1. any evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the genus Gardenia, of the madder family, native to the warmer parts of the Eastern Hemisphere, cultivated for its usually large, fragrant white flowers.

2. the flower of any of these plants.

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gardenia British  

/ ɡɑːˈdiːnɪə /

noun

1. any evergreen shrub or tree of the Old World tropical rubiaceous genus Gardenia, cultivated for their large fragrant waxlike typically white flowers

2. the flower of any of these shrubs

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Etymology

Origin of gardenia

< New Latin (1760), after Alexander Garden (1730–91), American physician; -ia

Example Sentences

The old man was spitting and shouting about voodoo trickery, and two women collecting their sausages chimed in with the gardenia man.

From Literature

The FDA is instead encouraging the use of so-called natural food dyes such as gardenia blue and calcium phosphate.

From Los Angeles Times

Busy gardeners should look for low-maintenance plants like ZZ plants, Chinese evergreens, pothos and philodendrons, while others may choose ferns, peace lilies, baby tears and gardenias that require a bit more attention and care.

From Seattle Times

And a genipin-derived blue from gardenia fruits that has long been used in parts of Asia could soon enter the U.S. and international markets, too.

From Science Magazine

Coca-Cola is a perfect fertilizer for gardenias, azaleas and grass.

From Seattle Times