How to Plant Gardenia Flowers

Gardenia bushes produce highly fragrant blossoms.

Gardenias are evergreen shrubs best known for their fragrant white flowers. Gardenias grow in zones 8 through 10, and can reach up to 15 feet tall, depending on the cultivar. Gardenias are useful as an ornamental or as a hedge plant, and many people plant gardenias simply for the signature scent of their flowers. Choosing a proper location for your gardenia bush and following a few simple planting guidelines will help your gardenia produce a bounty of sweet-smelling flowers year after year.

Things You'll Need

• Soil pH testing kit
• Garden spade
• Organic compost

Instructions

1. Plant the gardenia in spring or fall. The area where you plan to plant your gardenia should have moist, rich, well-draining soil.

2. Choose a planting location that receives full sun to light shade. Gardenias will grow in light shade, but they produce the most blooms when planted in full sun. Keep the gardenia away from concrete sidewalks or foundations, as the concrete will create an unfavorable pH level.

3. Space your gardenias 3 to 6 feet apart, depending on cultivar. Gardenias need good air circulation to help prevent fungal diseases.

4. Check the planting location for roots extending from nearby trees or plants. Gardenias do not like having their roots compete for space.

5. Test the pH of the soil. Gardenias are sensitive to high pH and do best when the pH is between 5.0 and 6.5. You should plant the gardenia in a different location if the soil's pH is 7.0 or above.

6. Dig a hole that is as deep as the gardenia's root ball and two times as wide. Carefully remove the gardenia from its container and place it in the hole.

7. Fill around the root ball with soil until you have filled the hole halfway. Fill the hole with water, and then allow it to drain. Finish filling the hole with soil and water the plant until the soil is moist.

8. Apply organic compost around the base of the gardenia, but do not allow the compost to come into contact with the base of the bush.

9. Water the gardenia at least two times a week for the first six weeks to keep the soil moist. Once established, gardenias should only need additional watering if the conditions are dry.

References

• University of Florida: Gardenia
• National Gardening Association: Gardenia
• University of Florida Extension: Growing Gardenias in Florida