The best times to plant gardenias are fall and spring when temperatures are moderate. Like camellias, gardenias like to be planted a little high. The soil should drain fast but retain water, as well; condition it with plenty of organic matter such as peat moss or ground bark.

Where is the best place to plant a gardenia bush?

Select a site with full sun to light shade. Although a Gardenia plant prefers full sun, some shade is appreciated during the warmer months of the year or its leaves may scorch and its buds may fall off if they get too much sunlight. In hot climates, Gardenias grow best with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Do gardenias grow better in sun or shade?

Light Affects Growth

The flowers on gardenias in too much sun usually turn brown faster than those in some shade. Gardenias bloom better in areas with high humidity and daytime temperatures from 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Periods of shade increase the humidity and lower the temperature around gardenias.

When can you plant gardenias outside?

Fall or spring is the most suitable time for planting the gardenia bush. As for outdoor gardenia care, you should keep in mind that when the gardenia plant is grown outdoors, it generally prefers to be kept in partial shade. Gardenias also prefer moist, but well-drained, acidic soil with plenty of organic matter.

Can I plant a gardenia in winter?

A. A gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) will not survive winter outdoors in your zone. The hardiest gardenias are rated only to USDA Zone 6 (minus 10 to zero degrees).

ALL ABOUT GARDENIAS - Details about different varieties and how to grow Gardenias

36 related questions found

Do gardenias come back every year?

Gardenias are perennial evergreen shrubs and small trees. These plants enjoy direct sunlight and average temperatures of 68 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Depending on the climate and growing conditions, some gardenia plants act like an annual.

How cold is too cold for gardenia?

Gardenias are zone 8 plants, meaning they should survive temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. You should plant gardenias in protected areas that provide plenty of morning sunlight to warm them on cooler days.

Why are gardenias so hard to grow?

If they say it can't be grown, it's probably true. Gardenias need even moisture throughout the year and prefer a rich and slightly to moderately acid soil (a pH of about 5.0 to 6.5). They also need good atmospheric humidity, plus cool temperatures in late winter and early spring for bud set.

Do Gardenias like lots of water?

Gardenias need at least an inch of water a week, whether from rainfall or a hose. ... Don't let the plants become completely dry before you water, and water regularly. If you're inconsistent, the buds and leaves may drop off.

Are gardenias difficult to grow?

Gardenias are easy to grow but require a bit of attention. Fuss over them and the plant gives beauty. Ignore them and they yellow and die. Moist, acid, well-drained soil; morning sun and afternoon shade; good air circulation; and proper fertilization will make them happy.

How do you keep gardenias blooming?

How to Maximize Gardenia Blooms

1. Feed your plants. Gardenias use a lot of nutrients to produce so many glorious blossoms. ...
2. Provide plenty of moisture. Water is essential for flower development. ...
3. Prune at the right time. Gardenias produce flower buds in late summer and fall for the next year's blooms. ...
4. Combat Bud Drop.

Do gardenias grow fast?

Gardenia Growing Rate

Kauai Seascapes Nursery reports that slow growers add 12 inches or less each year, moderate growers add 1 to 2 feet each year, while fast growers can average more than 2 feet each year. When grown from seed, gardenias will take about two to three years to start flowering.

Do gardenias smell good?

Gardenias are a very fragrant flower, capable of changing scents throughout the day. During an evening stroll through a gardenia-filled garden, you will get a spicy, zesty scent with green undertones. Overall, the gardenia flower also gives off a creaminess reminiscent of coconut and even a fuzzy peach skin.

How do I protect my gardenia in the winter?

On the fringes of the recommended climate zones, you can protect gardenias in winter by covering them with a blanket or cardboard box during brief cold snaps. A cardboard box large enough to cover the shrub without bending the branches is a must when temperatures drop.

How often do gardenias bloom?

Gardenias are flowering evergreen shrubs hardy in zones 7-11. Their long lasting, fragrant white flowers bloom from late spring to fall. Each bloom can last several weeks before wilting.

How do you plant a gardenia in the ground?

How to Plant Gardenias

1. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and a bit deeper than the root ball.
2. Put a couple of inches of fresh soil in the bottom of the hole.
3. Place the gardenia in the hole so that the top of the root ball is even with the soil surface.
4. Fill in with soil around the root ball.
5. Water deeply.

Why are gardenia leaves turning yellow?

The most likely reason for yellow leaves on gardenias is low iron. ... Gardenias need acidic soil, which means soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. This pH range makes iron in the soil available to gardenias. If the pH of your soil is outside those numbers, you can adjust it by adding an acidic fertilizer.

Why is my indoor gardenia dying?

The most common cause of a Gardenia dying is root rot caused by soggy soil conditions or overwatering. Look for generalized leaf yellowing and wilting despite wet soil. Pests, disease, insufficient light, and overfertilizing are also common causes of a Gardenia struggling.

Is Miracle Grow Potting soil good for gardenias?

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food is a special plant food designed for acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, dogwoods, magnolias, gardenias, orchids and all evergreens. ... Great for use with the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder or your watering can.

Do Gardenias like coffee grounds?

In addition to amending the soil with compost or aged manure, these acid-loving plants will appreciate coffee grounds, tea bags, wood ashes, or Epsom salts mixed into the soil as well. Since they are rich in nitrogen, magnesium, and potassium, coffee grounds are oftentimes a more favorable homemade gardenia fertilizer.

What is the best fertilizer for gardenias?

Best Fertilizers for Gardenias

• Miracle-Gro Miracid. N-P-K Ratio: 30-10-10. ...
• Nelson Acid Loving Plant Food. N-P-K Ratio: 9-13-11. ...
• Jobe's Spikes. N-P-K Ratio: 9-8-7. ...
• Gardenia Liquid Plant Food. N-P-K Ratio: 3-1-2. ...
• Dr. Earth Organic Fertilizer.

What do gardenias symbolize?

Wondering what the meaning behind the gardenia is? The gardenia is a flower that symbolizes purity and gentleness. ... Another symbol of the gardenia is secret love between two people and also joy.

Can gardenia stay outside?

You can still enjoy growing gardenias outdoors during the summer months in these regions by replacing them each year, treating them as annuals. Alternatively, the plants can be brought indoors, but proper temperature, humidity and sun exposure are vital for the plant to survive the winter season indoors.

Will gardenias come back after winter?

Baby the plant that season with supplemental water and good fertilizing practices. Monitor it for the slightest pest or disease, which could fell the gardenia in its weakened state. In most cases, when a gardenia gets too cold, it will recover in spring or within a year or two if the damage is severe.

Can gardenias survive a freeze?

Gardenia freeze tolerance is quite low, given that it grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 to 10 (on the warmer end of the spectrum). If possible, keep your gardenia in a pot, to allow you to bring it indoors during colder nights or seasons.