Difference between Plumeria and Gardenia
In the midsummer season, the fragrance of Plumeria and Gardenia flowers always interweaves in the streets and alleys. Many flower enthusiasts find that these two white-flowered plants are often confused, but in fact, they have subtle differences from plant shape to flower fragrance. Today, we will delve into these differences from a professional perspective and introduce you to the unique charm of these "white beauties."
I. Comparison of Growth Forms
Plumeria: Tall Tree Posture
As a typical deciduous small tree, mature Plumeria can easily grow to 5 meters in height, and even reach 8 meters in fertile soil. Its fleshy branches are thick and sturdy, and when broken, they secrete milky white sap, which indicates their strong water storage capacity.
Gardenia: Elegant Shrub Shape
Gardenia maintains a shrub shape of 0.3-3 meters, with new branches covered in fine绒毛. The cylindrical branches can be shaped into balls or hedges through regular pruning, making it a star plant for garden landscaping.
II. Leaf Characteristics Comparison
Plumeria: Typical Tropical Broadleaf
The massive leaves, 20-40 centimeters in size, showcase tropical genes, with thick paper-like leaves showing a distinct color gradient on both sides. This structure can effectively reflect strong light and, together with the water channels formed by the sunken veins, is a perfect drought-resistant design.
Gardenia: Elegant Leather Leaves
The 3-25 centimeter long leathery leaves have a waxy sheen on the surface, and the stomata density on the back is three times that on the front. This structure not only reduces water evaporation but also efficiently absorbs carbon dioxide at night, which is an important guarantee for its rich fragrance.
III. Visual Code of Flower Shape
Plumeria: Art of Color Gradient
The outer white and inner yellow gradient petals resemble a broken egg, and the spiral arrangement of the corolla follows the golden ratio. When the flowers bloom in the morning, the diameter can reach 5 centimeters, and their evening closure has earned them the name "Sunlight Dancers."
Gardenia: Fragrant Double Petals (Z-D)
The creamy white or pale yellow double-petaled flowers are layered, with a single flower reaching up to 8 layers of petals. The fragrance molecules contain over 30 volatile substances, including benzyl alcohol, with the release at night being three times that of the day, making it a natural air freshener.
IV. Growth Habit Differences
Plumeria prefers a high-temperature and dry environment, with leaf shedding in winter as its strategy for dealing with low temperatures; Gardenia, on the other hand, prefers a moist semi-shaded condition, with its evergreen nature making it observable throughout the year. The two plants also have截然 different soil pH requirements.
V. Maintenance Tips
For Plumeria, it is necessary to control the watering frequency, as standing water can lead to the rotting of the fleshy roots; Gardenia requires the soil to be kept moist, with regular application of ferrous sulfate to maintain an acidic environment. In terms of pruning methods, the former is mainly about thinning branches, while the latter is suitable for shaping pruning.
Through these five dimensions of comparison, I believe you have mastered the identification tips. Next time you encounter these two plants, why not stop to observe their branch shapes and flower details? The exquisite design of nature will surely amaze you. Whether for garden planting or vase arrangement, understanding these differences will help you better interact with the plants.