A gardenia is actually a white flower with some symbolism. Its fruits can be used both for medicine and dyes.

Gardenia: symbolizes purity and sweetness. They indicate secret love. They convey joy. They tell the receiver you are lovely.

I think the whole purity angle and the fact that it is a beautiful flower also make it a good choice for a vanity-obsessed race of clones.

Plus, I just like the way the word flows out. I'd def serve on a ship called the Gardenia!