How to Care for Gardenia in a Freeze

Place a 3-inch layer of woody mulch around gardenia plants every spring to keep the ground insulated and preserve soil moisture.

Water the ground thoroughly with a garden hose when freezing temperatures are anticipated. Moist plants draw more heat from the sun and retain the warmth even during chilly nights.

Drive three wooden stakes in a triangle around each gardenia plant. The stakes should be vertical and taller than the plant itself.

Drape burlap over and around the stakes to cover the gardenia shrub when freezing temperatures are expected.

Place rocks or weights on the bottom of the burlap to prevent cold air from entering. The burlap creates a pocket of warm air around the gardenia, protecting it from freezing weather. Remove the burlap when temperatures warm again and during the day to give plants light and air.

Wait to prune freeze-damaged areas of the plant until spring. When new growth begins to appear, it's easier to see which areas must be pruned and which are still viable. Prune dead, damaged twigs to 1/4 inch above the nearest living bud or branch.