Cultivating gardenias (house, live, garden)

[PortCharlotteNewbie]

I would like to put in some flowering plants. Any advice on good nurseries? general care to get gardenias growing? There is an area that drains poorly. Any advice to add to the soil to help the plants survive the rainy season?

[wpc691]

Originally Posted by PortCharlotteNewbie

I would like to put in some flowering plants. Any advice on good nurseries? general care to get gardenias growing? There is an area that drains poorly. Any advice to add to the soil to help the plants survive the rainy season?

Our neighbors have 2 spectacular gardenias, which is great for us - we enjoy the smell, but don't have to take care of them. They're planted on the E side of the house so they don't get the scorching afternoon sun. I'm sure you already know gardenias need a pH between 5 and 6. Depending on your soil, just ammonium sulfate fertilizer may be enough to keep it there (not right after transplanting, you'll burn the root hairs). If not, a dose of Ironite once in while should do it. Gardenias are harder than the average plant to grow, so maybe skip that poorly drained spot.

[TamRE]

I planted two gardenia bushes. One died because it got frost and I didn't cover it. The other one is in a corner up against my house and gets little sun and does beautiful every year. I have had it for 4 years now. I do very little trimming on it. I only use Miracle Grow and it does fine. I bought it at Home Depot.

[SoFLGal]

Gardenias are an evergreen shrub and grow well in Florida, unless you live along the beaches-they are not salt tolerant. They like full or partial sun. Water it at least two times a week for the first six weeks. You need to fertilize it in February and again in October. Use a granular containing 30-50 percent slow release potassium. Prune it a little just before October.

Good luck and happy growing!

[MikeM8560]

im not sure if this ok but good info at the garden web Florida Gardening Forum - GardenWeb

[PortCharlotteNewbie]

thank you all for the tips. Another friend also told me to use coffee grounds. so far it looks happy. It is a small plant bought at Walmart. I usually like a small plant; transplanting is a shock; a little plant often adjusts.

[Ed Bundz]

I have had a few gardenias and most died because of too much sun. I replanted 4 on the north side of the house. Well see.
Also have had hibiscus and a fig tree going down hill rapidly. I am told due to too much sun. I'll be moving to the back yard soon.

Best of luck.
Please post how you make out.
I am trying to get into some of the county extension classes out on Harbor view blvd.

[PortCharlotteNewbie]

Originally Posted by Ed Bundz

I have had a few gardenias and most died because of too much sun. I replanted 4 on the north side of the house. Well see.
Also have had hibiscus and a fig tree going down hill rapidly. I am told due to too much sun. I'll be moving to the back yard soon.

Best of luck.
Please post how you make out.
I am trying to get into some of the county extension classes out on Harbor view blvd.

I have a pretty hibiscus in direct sunlight and seems to be doing well. It is near the house. It would be great to have a county extension class. The library near the cultural center
has something called a master gardeners program on first Tuesdays but I haven't managed to get there.

[Going Coastal]

Love reading about this stuff. Being able to be in a climate to grow gardenias would be wonderful! Great tips here. I will have to remember this for the future!

[TomBeyer]

I have 4 giant gardenias and I believe they have been killed by the heavy freeze we had. The leaves are all brown and falling off. Can I prune it back and might it come back?