How to Care for Your Gardenia

Everyday Care

Keep your gardenia happy by giving it about an inch of water each week. The soil should feel like a damp sponge - not too wet and not too dry. Your plant will thrive in spots that get lots of sun, though it also does well in places with light shade. After your gardenia finishes blooming, give it a gentle trim to keep it healthy and shapely.

Planting Your Gardenia

Want to plant your gardenia outside? Spring or fall is the perfect time. Pick a sunny spot with acidic soil. Dig a hole that's twice as wide as your plant's root ball. Add some fresh soil at the bottom, then place your gardenia so the top of its roots sits level with the ground. Fill in the hole with soil and give it a good drink of water. Adding a 2-inch layer of mulch helps keep the moisture in.

Winter Protection

Gardenias can be a bit fussy about cold weather. If frost is coming, cover your plant with a blanket to keep it cozy. In places that get lots of snow, you can protect the branches from bending under the weight by placing a cardboard box over the plant.

Growing in Pots

Gardenias make great indoor plants if you give them the right care. Make sure they get 6-8 hours of bright sunlight each day. These plants love humidity, so a bathroom or kitchen can be a perfect spot. Start with a 1-gallon pot for the first six months, then move up to a 3-gallon container to give your gardenia room to grow.