gardenia
Gardenia jasminoides 'Bab1183' SUMMER SNOW
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Stem Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
8 - 11
Flowers:
White/ivory Flowers In Spring
Sun:
Part sun/part shade
Fruits:
white Fruits Ready In Summer
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
High
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Water gardenias twice or 3 times a week, depending on the type of soil and temperature. In hot, dry weather, water more often. During cooler months and when the plant is not actively growing, water less often. When watering, give your gardenia enough water to keep the soil lightly moist. Use enough water to slowly penetrate the soil around the roots. Avoid allowing water to pool around the gardenia's roots as this will cause root rot. Water until the soil is evenly moist and check the soil several inches down to ensure moisture levels are even. Generally, gardenias require about an inch of water a week, divided into 2 or 3 even waterings. Water your gardenia in the morning or evening to prevent fungal growth.
sunlight
The Gardenia jasminoides 'Bab1183' SUMMER SNOW variety of gardenia needs full sunlight for at least 6 hours per day in order to thrive. This includes direct sunlight in the morning, as well as indirect light for the rest of the day. Ideally, the plant should receive a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily, with more being beneficial. During the summer months, when increased sunlight is available, Gardenias require about 8 hours of full-sun daily for optimal blooming and growth. During the fall and winter months, Gardenias may require less direct sunlight, so be sure to adjust accordingly.
pruning
Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'Bab1183' SUMMER SNOW) should be pruned when the weather is fairly mild, from mid-March until early August. Pruning should be done gently and selectively, removing only small amounts of foliage. For best results, prune the Gardenia before new growth starts in the spring. Start by removing any weak or dead stems to encourage a healthy shape for the shrub. If the shrub has become too large or has grown lopsided, prune it back selectively to the desired size and shape. Prune woody stems to a bud or branching point, making sure to leave enough foliage and stems for the plant to regenerate itself. Lightly trim or pinch back new stems to encourage compact branching and lush blooms. After the blooms fade, trim the branches back to the desired length.
FAQ
Is the gardenia plant suitable for indoor or outdoor growing?
Gardenia plants are best suited for outdoor growing with morning sunshine and afternoon shade. They thrive in tropical and warm subtropical climates with frequent watering and well-draining soil. Those living in colder climates can grow gardenia indoors, but will require lots of extra care and attention. Plant your gardenia near a sunny, south-facing window to ensure plenty of light and consistent temperatures above 65F. A south-west-facing window is best, with east and west-facing windows as a secondary option. You should water your gardenia daily while maintaining humidity levels as high as possible.
Are gardenias tolerant of cold temperatures?
No; gardenias are not tolerant of cold temperatures. Gardenias need temperatures between 65-75°F (18-23°C) and will not survive temperatures that drop below freezing. Additionally, they should be protected from prolonged exposure to wind and rain, which can damage the sensitive leaves and flowers. If the temperatures in your area drop below 45°F (7°C), it is best to bring the gardenia indoors to protect it.
Should gardenias be planted in a particular season?
Gardenias should be planted in the early spring or late fall season when temperatures are mild. Gardenias prefer cooler temperatures for optimal growth and prefer to be planted in well-drained soil. In addition, they need to be planted in a spot that receives ample bright sunlight but is shielded from direct midday and afternoon sunlight. Finally, during the summer months, they need to be watered regularly and fertilized every two weeks.
Could gardenias be grown in containers?
Yes, gardenias can be successfully grown in containers! Container gardening is perfect for areas with limited space, or as an easy way to move the plants around to areas with more or less sunlight. When growing gardenias in containers, make sure to use a large one, close to 20 inches in diameter, with drainage holes and filled with potting mix. The container should be placed near a window that gets some direct sun, but it should also be protected from the wind. Deep waterings will be necessary in extremely hot, dry periods. Feed container gardenias every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer to encourage blooms. All in all, container gardening is a great way to enjoy gardenias, even if there's limited space.
Are gardenias self-pollinating?
No, gardenias are not self-pollinating. Gardenias require assistance from pollinators like bees to transport pollen from the male parts of one gardenia flower to the female parts of another. Without this help, it would be hard for some gardenia varieties to produce seed and fruit. As such, it is important that gardeners ensure their gardenia plants are in close proximity to bee-friendly flowers such as lavender for the best pollination and fruit yield.
Could gardenias be propagated from cuttings?
Yes, gardenias can be propagated from cuttings. This is typically done in late summer or fall when the new growth on gardenias has hardened off. Using a clean, sharp knife, cut 6-inch tip cuttings from the current season’s new growth. Remove any flowers and leaves from the lower half of the cuttings. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone then plant in a container filled with a soil-less potting mix. Care for the cuttings by providing indirect light and occasional misting. After a few months, you should be able to see signs of new growth and can then transplant your gardenia cuttings into a permanent location.
Are gardenias commonly used in landscaping?
Gardenias are beautiful flowering plants often used to line walkways and garden beds in landscaping designs. Gardenias produce white, fragrant flowers in the summer that attract pollinators and give a lovely fragrance in the garden. Gardenias are also deer and rabbit resistant, which makes them ideal for natural or low-maintenance landscaping where you'd like to control the wildlife. Lastly, gardenias are easy to care for, requiring regular watering and full sun or partial shade to thrive. Because of these characteristics, gardenias are quite often used in landscaping.
