How to Grow Gardenia Plants in Georgia

Glossy green leaves, creamy white blossoms and a gorgeous fragrance; few plants represent the South more than a gardenia. Georgia's mild winters and warm summer is a perfect setting for these evergreens. Gardenias are temperamental plants, susceptible to a variety of problems, but many gardeners agree they are worth the effort. Georgia is in the USDA Zone 7 which makes it a good place to grow gardenias.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Soil testing kit
• Sulfur (optional)
• Peat moss
• Mulch
• Acidic fertilizer
• Water
• Pesticides and fungicide

Instructions

1. Select the site to plant the gardenia. This tropical bush needs partial shade and protection from strong winds. The plant is susceptible to diseases; be careful that the location is not under an overhang where rainwater might drip on the plant. It needs moist soil with good drainage and a pH level of 4.5 to 5.5.

2. Dig up the site several weeks before planting the gardenia. Break up any clods of soil and remove any rocks and garden debris. Test the soil and amend it with sulfur if it is too alkaline. Dig in generous amounts of peat moss to help turn the Georgia clay into a rich loam.

3. Plant the gardenia in the spring, once all danger of frost is past. Dig a hole that is twice as big as the root ball, both in width and depth. Fill the hole half full with the soil and fill it completely with water; mix the water and soil to create a slurry. Remove the gardenia from its container and put it in the hole. Have someone hold the plant upright and add soil to the hole until it is firm. Tamp down the soil; don't be concerned if water leaks out of the soil. Cover the soil under the gardenia with a 2-inch layer of mulch. Plant gardenias 6 to 8 feet apart.

4. Water gardenias regularly, but avoid getting the leaves or blossoms wet, as it causes a leaf fungus. Apply an acid fertilizer once a month from April to November. Gardenias do not need pruning, except to shape them. If you do prune it, wait until after the bush finishes blooming.

5. Watch for the gardenia to bloom; depending upon the variety, it can bloom beginning in late spring and will continue until midsummer. Gardenias are susceptible to a number of diseases--including yellowing leaves and "bud drop"--and pests such as spider mites, aphids, thrips and scales. Use a general pesticide or fungicide to treat pests or diseases. If the problem persists, check with your local nurseries or home extension agent.

6. Propagate gardenias by taking a 2-inch cutting in midsummer and placing it in a glass of water. Within two weeks it should be rooted. Transplant it to a protected spot in your garden.

7. Prepare the gardenia for winter. Cover the soil under the gardenia with pine needles and continue to water during periods of drought until the first freeze.

References

• Lawn and Garden Search
• Desert Tropicals

Resources

• National Gardening Association
• Dave's Garden