Gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides) are tropical broadleaf evergreens, usually grown as large indoor potted specimens for the sake of their spectacular scented white flowers. The gardenia may be a beloved plant for a really simple reason: Few natural scents are as remarkable, evocative, and memorable.

But the reality is that without the appeal of the spectacular scent, few gardeners would attempt to grow high-maintenance gardenias, which are susceptible to many insects and diseases. they’re most ordinarily found in conservatories and greenhouses. Nevertheless, even a couple of months with a blooming gardenia within the house makes them a worthwhile addition to your collection.

In the appropriate climate, gardenias are often planted within the garden within the spring or fall. they’re generally planted from mature potted specimens which will bloom immediately. If you select to undertake to grow gardenias from seeds, expect to attend two to 3 years before they flower.

Watch Now: the way to Grow a Gardenia Indoors

Gardenia Care

Gardenias grow outside only within the USDA zones 8 to 11, across the South and therefore the Pacific Coast. If you reside in cooler climates, you’ll take your gardenia houseplant outside during the spring and summer after the temperature stays above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. But take care to bring it indoors on any night when the temperature falls below that minimum and as soon as fall makes its appearance.

When planted within the garden, gardenias prefer rich, acidic soil that drains well. Amending the planting area with many organic material may be a good idea. Place gardenias in light or medium shade, during a location where they don’t face competition from tree roots. Soil should be regularly covered with a thick layer of mulch to regulate weeds, as these plants don’t look after cultivating.

A well-tended gardenia are going to be compact with deep green leaves, and can bloom in early spring to summer counting on location, when the nighttime temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and daytime temps are between 75 and 82 degrees. When growing them indoors, this suggests you’ll got to keep them during a room that’s relatively warm during the day.

Light

Indoors, give gardenias bright light, but avoid direct sunlight, especially during summer. Outdoors, they like a neighborhood shade location.

Soil

Gardenias are acid-loving plants, in order that they prefer soil with a rather lower pH. Normal potting mixes with a peat base meet this criterion. When planted outdoors, it’s best to check the soil for pH and amend as required to make ideal conditions for the plant. A teaspoon of agricultural sulfur mixed into the planting hole may help lower soil pH.

Water

Keep soil continuously moist but reduce watering within the winter. Drip irrigation may be a good method since it keeps water off the leaves, which may cause fungal leaf spots.

Temperature and Humidity

Gardenias require temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid cold drafts if the temperature drops lower. These plants prefer a high humidity level, above 60 percent. In climates with cold, dry winter air, indoor plants may require the utilization of a humidifier or constant misting to take care of proper humidity.

Fertilizer

For garden plants in warm regions, feed mid-March using an acid fertilizer, but in late June. Don’t feed gardenias within the fall.

For container plants, feed about every three weeks with an acidifyin fertilizer—the type used for azaleas or camellias may be a good selection .

Is Gardenia Toxic?

Gardenias haven’t any known toxicity for humans, but pets may experience symptoms if any parts of the plant are ingested. These plants contain geniposides and gardenosides, substances that a lot of animals are sensitive to.

Symptoms of Poisoning

In dogs, cats, and horses, ingesting gardenia has been shown to cause mild vomiting, diarrhea, or hives.

Gardenia Varieties

This plant has been widely cultivated, so there are many cultivars available. In warmer climates where gardenia is grown outdoors, many plants are grafted onto a Gardenia thunbergia rootstock. The grafted plants tend to be more vigorous, with better, larger blooms, but they’re even less cold tolerant than the species.

These are a couple of of the recommended cultivars:

• Gardenia jasminoides ‘Aimee’ may be a large shrub (up to six feet) with huge 4- to 5-inch white flowers.
• G. jasminoides ‘Fortuniana’ is another large shrub, known to be one among the foremost free-blooming. It produces 4-inch blooms from mid-spring through mid-summer.
• G. jasminoides ‘Buttons’ maybe a dwarf variety, growing 24 to 30 inches tall with 2-inch flowers.
• G. jasminoide’s‘ Crown Jewel’ is another dwarf variety, growing to three feet with 3-inch flowers. it’s known to be hardy as far north as zone 6.

Pruning

Prune gardenias after the plants have stopped blooming, removing straggly branches and spent blooms.

Potting and Repotting Gardenia

When planted in containers, plant gardenias during a good-quality peat-based potting mix. It’s an honest idea to repot your gardenia within the spring or every other spring, as needed. If it seems to be pot-bound or not as healthy because it had been, but you discover no insects or diseases, it always may be a good signal that it must be repotted. Use a low-pH potting soil formulated for rhododendron or gardenias.

Propagating Gardenia

Gardenias are best propagated by rooting stem cuttings. In early spring, take a 3- to 4-inch cutting of a stem tip, making the cut slightly below a leaf node. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, then plant during a mixture of potting mix and perlite. Keep moist until good roots form, then transplant into 3-inch pots to continue growing.

Gardenias are often propagated by seed, but it’s an extended process which will take two to 3 years to supply flowering plants. Seeds collected from the dried seed pods should be cleaned, then dried for 3 to four weeks. Plant the seeds during a mixture of perlite and sphagnum , barely covering them with about 1/8 inch of potting mix. Keep the seeds moist and out of sunlight until they sprout—about four to 6 weeks. When the seedlings are several inches tall, transplant them into pots crammed with peat-based potting soil and continue growing them during a bright indoor location.

Common Pests/ Diseases

Aside from cold temperatures and inconsistent watering, which can cause bud and leaf drop, the foremost common problems are insects, especially scale, aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies. a spread of horticultural oils and soaps can treat these, but be prepared for your plants to face frequent infestations.

Gardenias are also susceptible to mildew , leaf spot, dieback, anthracnose, and sooty mold, a number of which may be treated with fungicides. In many instances, affected plants will got to be removed and destroyed.

This is a plant best fitted to a gardener who enjoys the challenge of a temperamental plant that gives the reward of heavenly flowers.