Gardenia Shrubs

Description

• Gardenia shrubs have a mature height of 2 to 15 feet with an equal spread and a generally rounded form. Plant height differs by variety and has a medium texture. The oval-shaped, glossy foliage is leathery and dark green. The highly fragrant single or double flowers have a waxy look and bloom all at once anytime between March and mid-June, depending on the variety. Flower color is light yellow to creamy white, occasionally with purple mottling. The flowers are followed by inedible yellowish-red berries.

Soil

• Making sure that the soil is right for gardenias is the first step toward healthy plants, since the shrubs are highly sensitive to soil pH. Recommended pH is anywhere between 5.0 and 6.5. If your soil has a pH higher than 7.0, continually add amendments to correct pH, as it can lead to a deficiency of micronutrients such as iron in the plants. Select a well-drained site, and amend the soil with organic matter to improve fertility prior to planting.

Weather

• Gardenia shrubs thrive best in areas with mild and humid weather. The plants are hardy in USDA Zone 8 to Zone 10 and have a low tolerance for freezing temperatures and salt. Plant gardenias in a well-ventilated site that receives full to partial sun. Partial sun is especially recommended when growing the plant in hot inland areas. Mulch the gardenias, as this helps to preserve soil moisture and reduces the chances of damage from sudden soil temperature fluctuations.

Problems

• The high susceptibility of gardenia shrubs to a variety of sap-sucking pests often discourages its use in landscapes. These include sap-feeding mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies and scales. The honeydew secreted by the pests as they feed leads to the growth of sooty black mold on infested areas. It is especially important to control whiteflies, as the pests can also transmit certain plant viruses.