Gardenias are known to be a bit of a challenge for gardeners. Frankly, the plant is picky and often needs more attention than other flowering shrubs.
It prefers fairly acidic soil a pH of 5. Nevertheless, with a little extra work, a gardenia can be a wonderful addition to a suitable garden.
They can also be grown indoors in pots. Put them outside during the warm days of summer and take them indoors for the cooler seasons. There are compact plants that only grow 3 to 4 feet tall and there are giants that grow up to 8 feet in diameter. Some bloom early in the summer and some bloom later. Some varieties have only a few huge blossoms and others have many small blooms.
Gardenias do not transplant well and respond poorly to root damage. Because of this, handle the plant with care during planting! Skip to main content. You are here Gardening » Growing Guides.
By The Editors. When to Plant Gardenias Generally, the best time to plant gardenias is in the fall. In areas that get a light frost, plant gardenias at least 6 weeks prior to your local fall frost date. While their scent is enjoyable in passing, it may become overbearing if the shrub is planted near a window or frequently traveled area! Gardenias appreciate a tropical climate, but may suffer in full sun at the height of summer.
Before planting, enrich the soil with well-decomposed organic matter. Hold off on the fertiliser and let the potting mix barely dry between waterings in autumn and winter. Protect it from hot and cold drafts. Then in summer, feed with a fertiliser that promotes flowering. Use a fertiliser that is formulated for acid-loving plants such as azaleas. Gardenias can easily become leggy, so you might need to tip prune or hard prune in the winter to allow for bushier growth.
As well as this, they also require a well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The added advantage of growing them in pots is that they are easy to move about, and when in flower can be shifted to an area where the beautiful fragrance will be most appreciated.
Once pruned they will burst with new growth. All rights reserved. They prefer well-drained, organic soil and regular irrigation. Gardenias have shallow roots that can be damaged by cultivation.
Add a layer of composted plant material or cow manure and top with a layer of mulch to add nutrients to the soil and keep it moist. Freezing temperatures can cause gardenias to lose their leaves or die back, but they usually grow back in the spring.
To protect them from drying winter winds, plant them to the east or north of buildings or other structures. Gardenias should not be planted near concrete surfaces; the run-off is usually alkaline and will raise the pH of the soil. Melody Lee holds a degree in landscape design, is a Florida Master Gardener, and has more than 30 years of gardening experience.
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