Care for Gardenia Tree
- 1). Plant the gardenia in well-drained, slightly acidic soil exposed to partial sun or shade in early spring or end of fall. Gardenias thrive in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit during the night.
- 2). Water the soil around the gardenia plant immediately after planting. Afterward, water the plant once every week with a hose. Insert your finger into the soil to determine whether the top 2 inches are dry; irrigate if necessary. Avoid wetting the foliage during irrigation to reduce chances of contracting fungal diseases.
- 3). Spread 2 inches of organic mulch such as wood chips, sawdust or bark around the base of the gardenia plant to deter competing weeds from growing nearby, retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Space the mulch 6 inches away from the crown of the plant.
- 4). Feed the gardenias an acidic fertilizer formulated for azaleas every month from April to November. Depending on personal preference, spread fertilizer granules around the base of the plant and water so the chemicals penetrate the soil, or feed a liquid fertilizer.
- 5). Prune the gardenia plant after the bloom period or during the dormant phase to improve aesthetic appeal and maintain the health of the tree. Remove excessively long, damaged, diseased, old or wayward limbs. Remove older branches from the inner canopy to increase sunlight penetration and improve air circulation.
- 6). Inspect the gardenia for insects such as mealy bugs, aphids and spider mites. The pests feed on essential juices from the plant or damaged foliage. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap over infestations to deter the pests.
- 7). Treat gardenia diseases such as sooty mold, cankers and leaf spots with registered fungicides. Sooty mold is the excretion of whiteflies that is easily wiped off with a soft cloth. Cankers appear as swellings on the stem near the base of the plant and cracks in the bark. Cut infected parts, and treat with fungicide.