Gardenia Plant
Tips on Gardenia Plant Care
Gardenia plant care is not nearly as tricky as some may believe it to be. While it does need some attention, it will reward you with its showy and perfumed blossoms for months out of the year.
Anyone living in a sub-tropical or tropical climate can vouch for the fact that there is nothing like the intoxicating fragrance of the gardenia lingering on a warm breeze. Grown outdoors in these locations, there are just a few things to remember when planting the gardenia plant: partial shade, acidic soil with good drainage, an inch of water per week and monthly feeding.
Choosing an ideal location for your gardenia plant is the first step. Since it enjoys partial shade when planted outside, a site facing either east or west will provide one half of the day in sun and half in shade. Keep in mind when choosing the site that the gardenia plant can grow to heights of 6 feet tall, depending on the variety chosen. Either spring or fall is the best times for planting.
When planting, dig a hole two times as wide but the same depth as the root ball on the gardenia plant. Placing the gardenia into the hole, fill it halfway with soil and then water to settle the soil. Now finish filling the hole, tamp in lightly and water again. Until it becomes established, check the soil regularly and provide about one inch of water each week. Adding mulch around the plant will help retain moisture as well as choke any potential weeds. Once a month, feed your gardenia plant with an acidifying fertilizer.
The beautiful round shape of the gardenia plant is a natural form, although some pruning in the early spring after the first year may be needed to maintain it. Bloom time generally begins in mid-spring and continues through the summer. During this time, pluck off the dying blooms; a process called “deadheading” which encourages new blooms. No matter how much work you have put into the gardenia plant before this point, the incredible fragrance of these snowy white flowers will make it all worthwhile.
For those who may not live in a climate where the gardenia plant can grow outside, the good news is that they grow very successfully in containers. Placing the plant in a container that is slightly larger than needed should allow the plant plenty of room to grow. Every few years, the plant will likely need repotting. When planted inside, the gardenia plant enjoys full sun.
Growing a gardenia plant really takes no more care and maintenance than most other plants. Regular watering, routing feeding and the right climate are all it takes to sit back and enjoy the perfume from those lovely white gardenia blossoms.