Thegardenia plantis a tropical, broadleaf evergreen shrub, typically grown for its magnificent-smelling blooms.
Gardenia can be planted outdoors in a location that gets decent sunlight and in most soils.
Note that gardenia is toxic to people and pets.
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Gardenia Care
Gardenia grows outside only in zones 8 to 11.
Soil should be regularly covered with a thick layer of mulch to control weeds and moisture.
A well-tended gardenia grows compact with deep green leaves and will bloom in early spring or early summer.
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This plant prefers daytime temperatures of 75 to 82 degrees, so keep it relatively warm when indoors.
Placing them in a sunny window that gets afternoon shade is best.
Outdoor gardenias grow best planted in apartially shadedlocation.
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Some sun, with afternoon shade, works well here, too.
Soil
Gardenias areacid-loving plants, preferring soil with a lower pH.
Traditional potting mixes with a peat base usually meet this criterion.
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When planted outdoors, it’s best to test thesoil’s pHand amend it as needed.
Mixing a teaspoon of agricultural sulfur into the planting hole may help lower soil pH.
Water
Gardenia prefers about one inch of water weekly (either by rain or hand).
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Drip irrigation works best as it keeps water off the leaves, which can cause fungal leaf spots.
Reduce watering in the winter and only keep the soil slightly moist to the touch.
This winter watering method also works well for potted gardenia.
Temperature and Humidity
Gardenia requires temperatures above 60 degrees, free of cold drafts.
This plant also prefers a high humidity level above 60 percent.
Fertilizer
Feed garden gardenias in mid March and then again in late June using an acid-rich fertilizer.
It’s best to use slightly under the recommended dosing to avoid over-fertilization.
Stop feeding your gardenias in the fall to inhibit new growth before dormancy.
Container plants can be fed about every three weeks with an acidifyingfertilizersimilar to those used on azaleas or camellias.
Organic gardeners prefer blood meal, fish emulsion, or bone meal.
Refer to product recommendations on amounts and test the soil’s pH regularly.
Types of Gardenias
This plant has been widely cultivated outdoors in warm climates.
Many varieties are created from plant grafting onto aG.
When pruning, use sharp garden shears to shape back the green and brown wood.
Gardenias set buds on new and old wood, so cutting either is fine.
Whichever you choose, give the new plant sufficient time to establish roots and grow before winter dormancy.
Keep the seeds moist and out of the sunlight until they sprout (about four to six weeks).
Transplant the seedlings to your garden once they have at least three sets of leaves.
Gardenias are bestrepottedin the spring, as needed when they begin to come out of winter dormancy.
you’re free to also re-pot if your plant looks less vibrant but has no insects or diseases.
Move up a pot size and use a natural stone or terracotta pot.
Both materials allow moisture to evaporate through their porous walls.
In cooler zones, provide ample mulch to the base of the plant to insulate its roots.
you’re able to also create a frost blanket on nights that are suspect.
How to Get Gardenia to Bloom
Gardenias have a distinctive floral, citrusy sweet scent.
They bloom from late spring up through fall.
Each bloom lasts several weeks before wilting.
Deadhead or remove spent blooms after they wilt to spur more flower production.
Wait to prune your plant after the last blooms have faded.
This way, you won’t cut back any growth on new buds that may form.
Whichever you choose, arm yourself ahead of time for frequent infestations.
Common Problems With Gardenia
Maintaining the ideal conditions for this plant can be a challenge for gardeners.
If you’re up for it, here are some potential issues to look out for.
Yellowing Leaves
Unsuitable environmental conditions like less than ideal temperatures or poor light can also causeyellowing leaves.
Gardenias can thrive in either location, as long you provide the right conditions.
In zones 8 and 11, growing gardenia outside can be simply.
In other zones, growing it indoors may be best.
Outdoors, gardenias can live up to 50 years in the right conditions and with proper care.
Other plants with strong-smelling flowers may not be great companions for gardenias, because their fragrance will compete.
Jasmine, camelias, and viburnum are all great alternatives to gardenias, offering bountiful blooms.
North Carolina State Extension.
