Gardenias

Gardenias are one of the most gorgeous tropical plants that love Auckland's sub tropical conditions. Pure white flowers with a rich musky fragrance are borne throughout spring and summer. There are many different cultivars available, from the very low growing varieties to medium shrub varieties. The leaves are glossy green all year round, so the plant looks great even when it's not in flower.

LOCATION:

Gardenias can be grown in many situations, provided there is bright light available. They will thrive in a warm, sheltered, frost free position. Direct summer sun may scald the flowers, so a little summer shade is beneficial for some varieties. Providing they are kept well watered through summer, gardenias do well in pots.

SOIL:

Gardenias are acid loving plants so the addition to your garden soil add peat or compost (not Chicken or mushroom compost -too alkaline) this will be beneficial. If the soil holds a lot of water in winter, mix in sand, pumice, or scoria before planting. A loose, friable soil high in organic material is best.

WATER:

Gardenias enjoy good soil moisture in summer. Inadequate soil moisture may cause buds to drop off. The application of a mulch such as bark, peat or peastraw will help reduce water loss. As already mentioned, gardenias need good drainage in the cold wet months. Cold water around the roots for long periods of time will cause the leaves to yellow and fall off.

FEEDING:

Feed Gardenias often (3-4 times a year throughout the growing season). These acid loving plants like Iron, Magnesium and Manganese in their diets. A deficiency in any of these elements will be evident by yellow leaves, a product called "Yellow leaf remedy" is specially formulated to cater for the needs of acid loving plants and it contains the trace elements required for healthy gardenias.