Gardenia jasminoides is a beloved plant for the simple reason that few natural scents are as remarkable and memorable. If not for this spectacular appeal, few gardeners would try to grow high-maintenance gardenias vulnerable to insects and diseases.
Gardenia Care
Gardenia jasminoides
What is the plant
Gardenias, which are similar in appearance to Ixora, are a popular gift plant and almost irresistible when in bloom, but they are notoriously difficult to grow in normal indoor conditions. Nevertheless, even a few months with a blooming gardenia in the house makes them a worthwhile addition to your collection. The basic species features glossy green leaves and waxy, highly fragrant white flowers. Native to China, this plant has been widely cultivated, so there are many cultivars available. In warmer climates, where gardenia is grown outdoors, many plants are sold grafted on a Gardenia thunbergia rootstock. The grafted plants tend to be more vigorous, with better, larger blooms, but they are even less cold tolerant than the basic species.
humidity
High
lighting
Part sun and part shade
temperature
16°C - 24°C
hardiness zone
8a - 10b
difficulty
Medium
toxicity
Poisonous
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Watering gardenia shrubs directly into a soil keeps foliage from becoming wet and diseased. Regular garden hoses, in-ground soaker hoses or sprinklers systems are useful. Drip irrigation systems keep water from falling directly onto flowers and foliage. These systems attach to outdoor faucets, allowing water to slowly absorb into soil and roots.
Pruning
It is important to never remove more than a third of the foliage in any one year and to cut just above a node on the stem.
Fertilizer
Use a 5-10-10 blend or 10-10-10 fertilizer diluted to 1/4th strength.
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Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil
Avoid using heavy soil. It may be too compacted for your potted plant and won't allow air to get to the roots.
Propagation
It's a good idea to repot your gardenia in the spring or every other spring as needed. If it seems to be pot-bound or not as healthy as it had been but you find no insects or diseases, it usually is a good signal that it needs to be repotted. Use a low-pH soil formulated for rhododendron or gardenias.
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Temperature
Above 60°F is required. Avoid cold drafts if the temperature drops lower.
Container
Plants that don't like a lot of moisture will need a drainage hole for moisture to escape and for airflow to circulate through the pot. Another important function of drainage holes is to allow water to flush the soil of excess salts from fertilizers.
Popularity
43,686 people already have this plant 4,503 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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