How to plant a Gardenia Bush in the ground?

Gardenias need very acidic soil and will require initial soil amendments and twice a year treatment with something like Miracid, made by Miracle Grow. Other than that, they’re easy to care for.

Dig a hole more than twice the size of the root ball, pour water in the bottom of the hole and see how well it drains. If it’s too much or two little, then make the hole bigger and use more potting soil.

Pour two cups of Miracid solution on the bottom layer of potting soil, make sure the root ball top will be flush with the finished soil level, place the root ball on the new base of potting soil and backfill around it, carefully compacting it with your hands.

Water thoroughly before the top 2” of soil, to fill in any air pockets.

Finish the backfilling and pour another 2 cups Miracid Solution on top. More tap water to wash off the leaves and clean up.

Keep an eye on it and make sure it not drying out, but not drowning. The first two months require a lot of babysitting. If you have “killing frost” in your local weather, cover it with a sheet on a night that it’s going to freeze, if it’s within the first three months.