Gardenia Plant Care

Gardenia Plant Care
LoveToKnow
Initial Author: Kathleen Roberts

Gardenia plant care can be a little bit tricky, but if you understand the needs of gardenias you can grow it indoors or outdoors, depending on your climate. As a houseplant, people are often disappointed when their once gorgeous gardenia seems to wither at home. The following article will help you to understand correct gardenia plant care so you can grow this beautiful, fragrant shrub successfully.

Gardenia Basics

The gardenia is an evergreen shrub with dark green, glossy, oval leaves and waxy blooms that can be a pale yellow to creamy white. Originating in China and Japan, when grown in the southern gardening zones 9 and 10, it will thrive outdoors and can get up to six feet tall depending on the species. Indoors your gardenia will want full sun but outdoors it will be happier in partial shade so you should consider planting it on the east or west side of your home.

Soil Conditions

Well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5 is ideal for your gardenia whether it is potted or in the ground. During the day, gardenias prefer temperatures from 68 to 74 degrees with a low of 60 degrees at night. Moderate humidity will assure a healthy plant but soggy roots will cause flower buds to drop, as will soil that is too dry. Adding peat moss to the soil will benefit your plant by helping it to retain moisture without it becoming too wet.

Watering Guidance

While the gardenia likes humidity, misting the leaves can cause problems. Water droplets can cause fungal growth on leaves. This is important to keep in mind if you plant your gardenia outside. You won't want to place it under plants that will drip down onto its leaves.

When you water, check to see if the top inch of soil is dry and then give your plant a good soak. Any water that accumulates in the tray under the pot should be drained out. It is a great idea to place gardenias in a pebble filled tray. Water can be poured over the pebbles to provide moisture and humidity without excessive water being absorbed into the soil.

Fertilizing

Monthly fertilizing should be done from April through November. A fertilizer designed for azaleas will also fill the requirements of your gardenias. Be sure to also prune older gardenia stems. This will encourage new growth as well as more frequent blooming. After all, isn't that why you selected a gardenia to begin with?

Planting Your Gardenia Outdoors

If you are fortunate enough to live in a climate where these tropical plants will grow outdoors, you may want to plant one in your yard to fill the air with its intoxicating scent. The process is simple as long as you remember the basics of gardenia plant care: well-drained, acidic soil and adequate fertilization.

First, dig a hole that is twice the size of the gardenia's root ball. When you place the plant into the hole, be sure that the top of the root ball is slightly above the soil's surface. Mound soil around the plant and tamp down to eliminate any air pockets. Now water thoroughly and enjoy your new landscape feature.

Gardenia Species

There are actually over 200 species of gardenias, which are members of the Rubiaceae family, but most of them are hybrid varieties. Some species are even thought to have medicinal properties. Please, do not consume any part of a gardenia plant without consulting with an expert first. Some of the most common varieties of gardenia include:

* Gardenia Jasminoides--This is the most common type of gardenia which gets up to two feet tall. It is named for its fragrance which reminds some of jasmine.

* Gardenia Thunbergia--Also known as Star Gardenia, this can be grown as a tree or a shrub and gets to be about four feet tall.

* Gardenia Nitida--This species gets up to tree feet tall and produces white flowers.

* Gardenia Radicans Floreplena--This is a Japanese dwarf variety that gets to about 18 inches and produces double blooms.

Common Gardenia Pests

Gardenias are vulnerable to various insects including:

* Aphids
* Mealy bugs
* Spider Mites
* Thrips
* Scales
* Whiteflies

The best way to protect any plant from pests is to keep it healthy and prevent over-crowding. Other common causes of insect problems are allowing too much moisture to sit on leaves and not maintaining the proper temperature and moisture levels. Keeping your gardenias in the proper conditions will go a long way toward protecting them from common pests.

While gardenias are picky about their care, if you are patient and remember the basics of gardenia plant care, your efforts will be rewarded.

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