Gardenias grow best when they are watered deeply once a week. They’re not drought-tolerant, but they also don’t want soggy roots. Constant moisture is non-negotiable for gardenias. In addition to the right pH, the best soil for gardenias will be a lightweight and full of organic matter with good moisture-retention properties. Gardenias require a soil pH of between 5.0 and 6.5, which is considered acidic to slightly acidic. If you wish to try to grow them indoors, here are some of their cultural requirements. Misting the leaves is a temporary relief. To elevate humidity, use a humidifier placed near the plants in the room where the plants are growing. Placing the plant in a south-facing window that protrudes slightly so that sunlight reaches the plants on three sides will give you the best chance of success. Sometimes indoor gardenias will grow flower buds, but the buds will drop before opening. It is almost impossible, without a greenhouse or sunroom, to get the plants enough sunlight for them to set and retain flower buds. Two limiting factors to indoor gardenia health are light and humidity. If you wish to grow gardenias in our area, they need to be taken indoors during cold periods, typically between October and May. In their hardiness zones, gardenias are considered a landscape shrub, not an indoor plant, despite the fact that they are often sold in the nursery trade as such. By growing several gardenias with different bloom times, it’s possible to have a sequence of flowers during the season. Some gardenias offer fewer but super-large (4-inch diameter) blossoms while others have smaller but more abundant flowers. Also, take into account blooms and bloom time. There is a gardenia variety to suit just about every need from compact smaller varieties that mature to 4 feet tall (such as Everblooming Gardenia) and others that can reach 8 feet tall and wide (such as First Love® Gardenia). While all gardenias have fragrant flowers, there are differences from variety to variety in mature size and bloom time. This means in our zone they must be brought inside before frost. Most gardenias are hardy in zones 8-11, though a few varieties hardy to zone 7 have been developed (Kleim’s Hardy), and a few are only hardy in zones 10 and 11. Gardenias are subtropical plants that thrive in warm, humid weather. When given the right growing conditions, these heat-loving shrubs will perform well. How do I take care of it? - Alyssa from WaldenĪ: Gardenias are prized by gardeners for their highly fragrant flowers and bright, glossy, evergreen foliage that’s attractive year-round. Q: I purchased a gardenia this spring at the nursery.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |