How do I care for my gardenia?

Margie
by Margie

I have a gardenia that has gone flat, is there any way i can help it grow fuller. Can it be trimmed.

  3 answers
  • Molly Anmar Molly Anmar on Nov 16, 2018

    Gardenias require considerable maintenance. Fall is the best time for planting. They are best planted in light to partial shade; preferably with morning sun and afternoon shade.


    Gardenias prefer acid (with a pH of less than 6.0), moist, well-drained soils. Add organic matter, such as compost or ground composted pine bark, to the planting bed and till into the soil before planting. Mulch plants with a 2 to 3-inch deep layer of pine straw, compost or ground bark.


    Fertilize gardenias lightly in the spring once frost has passed with a well-balanced, extended-release, acid-forming, azalea fertilizer. Fertilize the shrubs again 6 weeks later to encourage extra flowers or faster growth of young shrubs. By well-balanced, this means to look for nutrients in the ratio of 2-1-1.


    Prune gardenias after they have finished flowering in summer to remove straggly branches and faded flowers.


    See if you don't find these links informative:

    https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/gardenia/


    https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/gardenia-diseases-other-problems/

  • Deanna Nassar Deanna Nassar on Nov 16, 2018

    You may be able to reshape it by placing stakes around side and wrapping twine around the stakes to give it support...kind of like a tomato cage. You could also use monofilament fishing line(clear color) to be less noticeable. When pruning cut around edges and allow growth in center of plant to grow.

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Nov 16, 2018

    Only prune mid-summer after blooms are spent, the new blooms form on last years growth so if you cut any of these too much you'll reduce the blooms you get. Here's some additional info. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/when-to-prune-a-gardenia.htm