Gardenias

A wonderfully fragrant Georgia favorite.

Prune gardenias after they have finished flowering. This is usually in late May or early June. Prune late flowering varieties after flowering is complete.

The gardenia is a popular flowering shrub in Georgia. This delightful evergreen has distinctive glossy foliage and fragrant, white, waxy flowers which bloom in late spring and summer. The blossoms have been a favorite with gardeners for generations.

Soil conditions…

Gardenias grow on wide range of soils, but they do best in moist, loamy, well-drained soil. The soil pH should be between 5.0 and 6.0. Gardenias grow best in soil mixed with organic matter such as peat, bark and sewage sludge. Mulching will help, too.

Fertilize…

Each spring, fertilize gardenias with a complete garden fertilizer such as 8-8-8 and apply additional iron. Apply fertilizer a second time in early or mid-summer. Don't fertilize gardenias in the fall. Doing so will stimulate tender growth which may be killed if the temperature in winter drops below 15 degrees.

Pesticides…

White flies often attack gardenias. They can be controlled by using Orthene or oil sprays such as oilicide or Volck.

The oil sprays will control the white fly and remove the black, sooty mold from gardenia leaves. When using oil sprays, follow manufac-turer's directions. They cannot be used when temperatures are very hot or cold.

Prune…

Prune gardenias after they have finished flowering. This is usually in late May or early June. Prune late flowering varieties after flowering is complete.

For more information on gardenias, contact your local County Extension Office.