Tips for Healthy Gardenia Flowers in the Garden

The scent of the gardenia flower inspires many gardeners to attempt to grow it in yards and containers, and gardenias frequently appear throughout the southern United States. Gardenias are semi-tropical plants, and the mild, often humid weather in southern states makes for optimal growing conditions. The evergreen foliage, variety of heights (up to 15 feet) and attractive colors of different cultivars make gardenias popular additions to home landscapes, although they need more extensive care than other shrubs. Attend to soil, fertilization, and particularly irrigation concerns during hot southern summers when planting gardenias to give them the best chance to flourish.

Planting Gardenias

Plant gardenias in the fall or spring. Plant them in light shade, and keep them away from the roots of other plants or trees; they do not grow well if other roots infringe on their space.

Plant gardenias in well-drained soil amended with organic matter. Compost, manure or peat moss will help the soil retain the moisture and nutrients gardenias need. Optimal soil pH is between 5 and 6.5.

Dig a hole twice the diameter of the gardenia’s container and as deep as the root ball. Plant the gardenia so that the top of the root ball is even with the ground, taking care not to damage the roots. Fill in the hole with soil, stopping halfway through to water.

Retain moisture by making a 2-inch high dam at the edge of the planting hole and putting up to 3 inches of mulch around the plant. Keep the mulch several inches from the plant’s base to avoid problems with fungus. Water at least twice a week for six weeks after planting.

Caring for Gardenias

Water new and established gardenias consistently during the dry periods common in southern summers. Watering will keep a gardenia flowering; drought causes buds to drop from the plant.

Apply fertilizer in early spring, mid-summer, and early fall. Use a slow-release fertilizer designed for landscape plants, fish emulsion, or blood meal. If yellow leaves begin to appear, apply an iron solution to the plant, available at garden centers.

Prune gardenias immediately after they bloom, removing damaged branches and blooms. Timing the pruning correctly will allow the gardenia to grow up to six inches before fall, which encourages more flowering the next spring.

Consider growing gardenias in containers if available soil is poor; they do well in pots. A display of potted gardenias on a deck or patio is an attractive use of the flower, and will allow the soil, irrigation, and sun exposure to be adjusted based on the plants’ needs.