A small shrub? Is there such a thing? In steamy S. Fla? Even my dwarf ixora needs to be pruned now and then. Panama Rose might fit the bill but only blooms in the winter season.
Someday you should come by and see my 5x5 gardenia. It can be done.

Don't give up on the gardenia. If you are having problems with bugs on that, you'll probably have problems with bugs on anything in this spot. I love my gardenia so much I just hate to think of you taking yours out!

Kate

Don't give up on the gardenia. Give it a large dose of magnesium sulphate (for a 2-3ft high bush about 2 cups) spread out over the root zone every other week and about once a month a large dose of gardenia-type fertilizer. Water these in well and keep well watered especially in this dry weather we are experiencing. After a few months of this treatment the plant will start looking really healthy with nice green leaves,will bloom and will be bug free - no insecticides required. Once the plant is looking healthy and bug free you can cut back a bit on the magnesium sulphate and fertilizer but it will still need these and water on a regular basis.Nothing smells like a gardenia!

Another wonderfully fragrant plant you might like to try is Brunfelsia jamaicensis available from Logees, but you still need a gardenia.

I'd suggest the Florida Gardenia, or Crape Jasmine. It's so easy to grow, it's pathetic, and not much affects it. It does get tall, though, so put it where you don't mind that, or keep it pruned.

thanks for all the suggestions. I've been putting coffee grounds on it, and it appears to have some new leaves that are green and healthy looking.... so, it's redeemed itself until I kill it again.

I'll get the recommended fertilizer on tomorrow's garden store trip.

I agree...give it one more chance! :)

Follow the above directions plus spray it every day...they LOVE high humidity!

Mine's doing quite well and was about 5' x 5' as well...until I cut it back to start cuttings last week.

It can be done! :)