How to Clean Gardenia Bushes

Gardenias are commonly thought of as a temperamental and difficult shrub to grow, but their exotic tropical flowers and deep glossy green foliage call to many a gardener. While they do have specific environmental and cultural requirements, they are actually quite low maintenance in care. Cleaning consists of regular tidying, light pruning and an occasional shower to wash the leaves when rainfall is not abundant. A small amount of effort once a month during a regularly scheduled watering session will keep the plant looking neat and well groomed.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Secateurs
• Hose or faucet with adjustable spray feature

1. Remove spent gardenia blooms by deadheading with secateurs or simply by plucking the fading flowers from the stems. Lift out and discard any blooms that have been shed but have become lodged in the shrub between the leaves and branches.

2. Prune away or pluck off any yellowed or brown leaves from the gardenia as you find them. Prune any damaged or broken branches as well as those that rest on or brush against the soil.

3. Tidy the soil beneath the shrub to lift up any dropped leaves, spent blooms, petals or other debris that can serve as a breeding ground for disease or habitat for insects.

4. Give your gardenia a shower of gentle tepid water once or twice a year when the plant is not in bloom. Use the sink faucet for house plants or the garden hose fitted with an adjustable spray head for gardenias grown outdoors. Spray the leaves lightly to wash off any dust and dirt, and return them to their clear, glossy green.

References

• University of Hawaii
• Univeristy of Florida