Bugs on Gardenia Plants

Gardenias grown in optimum conditions tend to fight off pests.

Gardenia is an evergreen shrub prized for its fragrant white blooms and glossy green foliage. It is a somewhat difficult to grow plant that attracts a variety of pests.

Aphids

Aphids are 1/8-inch-long, pear-shaped insects that suck plant sap from gardenia leaves. Severe infestations cause distorted foliage and stunted growth. The green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) and the melon aphid (Aphis gossypii) both feed on gardenias, according to Clemson University Cooperative Extension.

Scale

Scales are sap-sucking insects that resemble small bumps and congregate on stems. They weaken or kill gardenia branches, and heavily infested plants have smaller than usual flowers and leaves. Scales that feed on gardenia include the Japanese wax scale (Ceroplastes ceriferus) and cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi).

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny pests that suck gardenia plant sap, causing speckled leaves, a fine webbing and stunted growth. The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is a common gardenia pest.

Thrips

Thrips are skinny, 1/16-inch-long insects with fringed wings that can't be seen with the naked eye. They feed on gardenia foliage and flower buds, causing red spots on leaves and disfigured, stunted blooms.

Whitefly

Whiteflies are 1/10- to 1/16-inch-long, moth-like pests. They suck gardenia plant sap, causing leaf yellowing and plant stunting.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Growing Gardenias in Florida
• Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Gardenia Insects and Related Pests

Resources

• University of Hawaii at Manoa Cooperative Extension Service: Common Gardenia