Gardenia Plant Information
Also sometimes called cape jasmine, gardenia (Gardenia augusta) is a flowering member of the madder family characterized by leathery, shiny leaves and highly fragrant white flowers. The plant is a popular garden shrub that may grow to be up to 8 feet tall, with a similar spread. Gardenias are highly susceptible to insect infestations. Does this Spark an idea?
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Location
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Gardenias hail from Asia, where they can be found in southern China, Taiwan and Japan. Gardenias require a warm subtropical or tropical environment, growing best in USDA zones 8 to 10. Plant the shrub in a full-sun or partial-sun location. Gardeners in cool climates can grow gardenias indoors as a house plant. Gardenias require fluctuating temperatures. A nighttime temperature between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit is required for the formation of new flowers.
Soil
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Gardenias require an acidic soil that is well draining and rich in organic matter. Keep soil consistently moist, but not water logged or soggy. Regular watering is especially critical after flowering, as the shrub must soon prepare for winter. Gardenias may require winter protection in cooler climates. Do not water from overhead. Drip-irrigation helps to keep water off the foliage, as wet leaves are prone to fungal problems such as leaf spot.
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Maintenance
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Enhance soil with an organic mulch such as compost or ground bark. Mulch helps to conserve water, while also suppressing weeds. Fertilize in the early spring with fish emulsion, blood meal or an acidic plant fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing late in the growing season, as this encourages the plant to produce new, tender growth that will most likely die during winter. Prune away dead flowers and scraggly growth after flowering in order to ensure a healthy, tidy appearance.
Problems
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Gardenias are highly susceptible to sucking pests, particularly whiteflies and aphids. Whiteflies cause a black sooty mold to appear on leaves, while aphids feed on new foliage and flower buds. Insects can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or oil sprays. Aphids can also be controlled with predatory insects such as lady bugs. Root rot may occur on shrubs grown in poorly draining soils. Follow proper cultural practices to lessen the chance of diseases or insects infecting the plant.
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References
- Photo Credit Gardenia flower image by Buonfiglio from Fotolia.com
