Can we grow Gardenia like this commercially?

There is something of a battle going on a Scotsburn at present.  Without putting too fine a point on it I want to grow Gardenia, in particular G. radicans and Mark does not.  Give him his due, the aversion is to growing the plant and doing it badly, not an aversion to Gardenia.  I on the other hand have the specimen in the photo growing in the back yard and I know it doesn't get special treatment (beyond the dregs of the chook's water bowl as I refresh it each morning) and just quietly I think it looks fabulous.

I believe we will have to get a special potting mix blended with a higher pH than our usual, but otherwise what could go wrong? Any way what I don't know is if anyone else shares my enthusiasm for Gardenia, it certainly wouldn't be the first time I have gotten all wound up over a plant only to find no one else cares. The good thing about writing to people about plants is a soon find out what makes them passionate. Let me know what you think, there's a box of our fabulous 200mm Kokomo New Guinea Impatiens going free if you can come up with the argument that sways Mark. No, I'm not above a bribe.

Best wishes for a safe, happy and prosperous New Year.