Can anyone help me identify this plant?

[florajo]

I just purchased this beautiful plant at my local home improvement center in the garden department. It was not tagged with a plant name and the sales person didn't know. Does anyone know what this is? Thanks for any help!

[matkin]

Gardenia ???????? It looks like it, but the leaves are more rounded than mine. But then mine is an old one. If it is, it is an acid lover, and it likes sun in the summer. I've got one that is 30 years old this year. Every year that pot gets heavier when carring it to the basement to over winter.
Then there is my Hoya plant in the hanging pot. My great aunt gave it to me. She thought she got in in the early 50's. It doesn't bloom anymore. I've even took it out of the pot and trimmed back the root ball, pruned back the vines. I've tried every variation of sun exposure. Followed all of the recomendations from Hoya websites. I just can not get it to bloom again. Maybe it is just tired.

[petal*pusher]

Hi Florajo! So good to see you post!

The woody stems sure remind me of some type of Aralia.....I think it's one that is unusual......maybe the 3rd one ???........p

Aralia

[Bird Lover]

Hi Florajo! Long time no see! I'm so glad you found us here.
I thought the leaves on your plant reminded me of a Mandevilla. I had one for a couple of years, but they're not hardy here, & the frost got it early one fall. I'm sure it would be a perennial down there where you live. Do you see any buds on it?

[NEIndiana]

Pat, the leaves are too glossy for a Mandevilla. I've got one that my husband gave me for Mother's Day and the only way for us to keep it in our zones is to move it indoors to a southern exposure and it will go through its dormant stage through the winter and come back.
Florjao, I'm leaning more towards a Gardenia due to the shape of the leaf as well as the glossiness. If it is, they love bright light and the aroma from the blooms will fill any room. They also like shade from direct midday sun in the summer months. Keep it consistently moist!

[petal*pusher]

I'm absolutely sure it's not a gardenia! Take a look at the foliage on this gardenia.........Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

I think nobody noticed the "Aralia" link in my post......take a look and I'm pretty sure you'll see your plant! It's a beauty!

Aralia

What do you think??........p

[Bird Lover]

Oh yes! Petal I think you nailed it. Looks like it could be either of the 2 center photos in that link. You sure know your petals, lol.
Pat

[Pburgh]

OHHHH, I love that Ming Aralia. Pam, I think that's it. It sounds like a great house plant. One that can take a medium light in the house.

[greenasagourd]

Hi Florajo! So good to see you again!! Please tell us what's up with you. Your Aralia is beautiful.

[florajo]

Thanks for the help everyone! I think *petal* nailed it....I have decided it is definitely a Fabian Aralia. I've never heard of it or seen one before. I fell in love with the size and dark green glossy leaves when I saw it. It fits perfectly in a corner of my dining room. Thanks for that link, petal. Now I can learn a little more about it and know how to take care of it.

So glad I found all of you again!!