Gardenia care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Gardenia

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 2 days

It likes moist soil, so as a guide water thoroughly once the topsoil is dry; drying while in bud makes the buds drop.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 3 days

Drying slows, so as a guide wait about a day after the surface dries.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 5 days

Growth stops, so water more sparingly, roughly two or three days after the soil dries.

Light and placement for Gardenia

Grows in sun to partial shade, generally best with morning sun; harsh afternoon summer sun scorches the leaves, and too little light means fewer flowers.

Overwintering Gardenia

Overwintering guide: −3°C (27°F) or above

On the Kanto and Kansai plains it generally overwinters outdoors out of the north wind; keep pots under eaves or in a bright room away from heater drafts, since cold wind browns the leaves.

Fertilizing and repotting Gardenia

Fertilizer

As a guide, a little slow-release fertilizer in March, after flowering in July, and around September; it likes acidic soil, so if leaves yellow between green veins, use a fertilizer for acid-loving plants.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Common problems with Gardenia

• Drying out or moving the plant while in bud turns the buds yellow and drops them.
• Hawkmoth caterpillars strip the leaves in a matter of days.
• Pruning from August on removes the flower buds, so it does not bloom the next year.

Tips for growing Gardenia

• Prune right after flowering and finish within July.
• From June to September, look for chewed leaves and black droppings and remove the large green caterpillars early.
• Pot it in a slightly acidic mix with kanuma soil or peat moss.

More shrub and tree care guides

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• Heavenly bambooNandina domestica
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