GARDENIA :

Surrounded by dark green, waxy leaves, the exquisite gardenia exudes a very sultry and heavy scent.

It was this intoxicating fragrance that captivated an English sea captain traveling through South Africa in 1754, prompting him to bring home one of the native plants as a souvenir. But the delicate, creamy ivory petals of this expensive flower can bruise easily so handle with care. Fragrant gardenias have many uses-carry a few as a posy, wear one as a corsage, or float a few in a low bowl for a minimalist centerpiece. Large three-to four-inch blossoms, as well as a miniature variety, are available.