The Time to Prune Gardenias

Gardenias produce fragrant white blossoms.

Gardenia shrubs bloom with fragrant white flowers, which depending on the variety, can emerge anytime from spring until fall. According to Clemson University Extension, gardenias are not always the easiest shrubs to grow, but pruning is not one their primary needs. In fact, gardenias fare quite well with no pruning at all. However, if you want to prune gardenias to improve their appearance or contain them to a small space, timing is essential to keep them flowering.

During Blooming

Deadhead gardenia flowers after they fade during their blooming cycle. Simply pinch or snip off the flowers, just below the blooms. This type of pruning is not necessary and is simply done for aesthetic reasons.

After Blooming

Gardenias are one of those plants that produce their buds one year in advance. After they finish blooming, usually in the summer or fall. Prune your gardenias within a week or two of blooms fading. If you wait too long, you'll snip off the gardenia buds that are setting for next year. If you choose to prune at this time, trim back no more than one-third of your plant to control its growth or improve shape.

Prune Anytime

Dead, diseased and damaged wood can be pruned back at any time. Cut branches back to the parent branch with a clean, sharp cut. Use pruning shears that have been sterilized with rubbing alcohol, especially if you recently used them with other diseased plants.

Maintenance Tips

Water gardenias near the base of the plant rather than from overhead, if possible. Water can cause leaf spots. When you do water, either at the base or from overhead, water in the morning hours so the foliage, blooms and stems can dry out during the day. Feed gardenias in the spring and summer with a fertilizer high in acid and labeled for gardenias using the dosage amounts on the label. Also, keep your eye out for insects, such as whiteflies, that often plague gardenias. With whiteflies, you'll notice white spots that look like small pieces of cotton. They are very harmful to gardenias, leaving wet spots which causes black fungus.

References

• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Gardenia; Marjan Kluepfel; May 1999
• University of Arkansas Extension; Shrubs - Gardenia; Janet B. Carson