Saturday, November 19, 2011

How to make an ironing spray with the scent of gardenia/rosal flower?

Sometimes I mix my liquid fabric softener with some water and spray my clothes while I`m ironing. This will not give the starch look but it will get the wrinkles out.


If you are wanting to starch them I would mix some cornstarch, fabric softener and water together and make homemade starch. Before putting the iron on the spray, rub what you have sprayed on your clothes in real good with your hand or you will have alot of starch build up in one spot. I would not use this mixture on anything white.....Good Luck and have fun!

How to make an ironing spray with the scent of gardenia/rosal flower?
Use water and what scent of oil you want and why, that's they make perfume so a person can smell good who will be smelling of your clothes after you iron them.
Reply:you'll have to take a bottle of water and mix some essential oils in there. It won't have the crunchiness of starch but it will help get the wrinkles out


Flower similar to a Gardenia?

I have a person that works with me that had these beautiful BIG flowers on her desk. She didn't know what they were but to me it looked similar to the Gardenia pictured here...


http://www.fullbloomfarmpeonies.com/cata...


I thought that's what it might be but there were other flowers that were bright purple and red and white. (all looking the same). She knew they came from a bush but that's about it. I have just never seen a flower this big (almost the size of a paper plate!). Does anyone know of any flowers that might look similar and have color?

Flower similar to a Gardenia?
I agree with the other answerer, I think you're looking at Peony(Paeonia). Most are herbaceous perennials, although there are some woody/ shrubby ones (Paeonia suffructosa). Peony is available in a wide range of colors, some flowers are fragrant. All do best in full sun with the soil being kept moist.





Your local independent garden center should have a selection of plants available this time of year. I would suggest picking one in a two or three gallon pot. If you start too small, it'll be years before you see some 'serious' flowering.





Good luck-
Reply:Sounds like a peony to me--they smell wonderful and come in different colors.
Reply:The picture you have is of a Peony. The variety is named "Gardenia", because of it's color and it's wonderful scent.


-peonies are long-lived (over 50 years).


-peonies are hardy (to USDA zone 2).


-peonies are drought tolerant.


-peonies are low maintenance.


-peonies are deer-resistant.


-with thoughful selection of cultivars, the peony bloom season can last 6-8 weeks


-many new varieties have strong stems.


-peonies have been cultivated for more than 2000 years as medicinal and ornamental plants.


-flowers come in a range of colours, including yellow, coral, peach and lavender, in addition to white, blush, pink, magenta, and red.





Peony blooms may be single, semi-double, double, anemone, Tree variety, or Japanese in form, and their scent can be classified as rose, lemon, honey, or musk.





I am a horticulturalist in Canada.
Reply:http://www.yaoflowers.com/ Flower Care from YaoFlowers The fertile plateaus high in the mountains of Ecuador and Colombia produce YaoFlowers gorgeous roses. The constant mild temperature slows the plants growth producing large blossoms and long elegant stems. YaoFlowers research on varieties allows us to consistently produce beautiful, radiant roses that last. Your roses are thirsty and need to drink water for 8-12 hours to perk up. With proper care, your roses will bloom over the next few days. http://www.yaoflowers.com/flower-care.as...


Where can I buy Pacifica's Tahitian Gardenia solid perfume? How much does it cost?

You can purchase the solid perfume at http://www.pacificacandles.com/perfume-t... for $8.95 (Aerosol is $19.95).

Where can I buy Pacifica's Tahitian Gardenia solid perfume? How much does it cost?
how it is








http://www.in-brands.com/showsort.asp?so...


I have yellow leaves on my gardenia bushes, and green too. I've already used iron?

Healthy gardenia bushes get yellow leaves on them all the time. (odd ones not all the leaves). they are evergreen and when the leaves get old and need to be replaced they go yellow and drop off. Most deficiencies show up as green veins or edges and yellow on th leaf at the same time.





If the yellow is just on the odd leave, ignore nothing wrong, just nature taking its course.

I have yellow leaves on my gardenia bushes, and green too. I've already used iron?
Either too much water or too little. Are the leaves soft and yellow? if so, water less. If they are dry and brittle and yellow water more.
Reply:There are so many reasons a gardenia will have yellow leaves. We always hear too much or too little water. Try putting it in a less sunny location for awhile. If it's in a pot, water once a week and use a 20-20-20 fertilizer, one tablespoon per gallon of water. After about one month, plant in a partial sun in the ground. Make sure you water fully the first time, then follow up with a good plant food every couple of weeks. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
Reply:Sounds like a mineral deficiency. Try adding some calcium (a little cornmeal) and some epsom salts (Magnesium Sulfate).


Gardenias need a bit of both.

Park Hotel Ahrensburg

Do gardenia bushes have large roots?

I want to plant a gardenia bush and would like to know if


the roots would interfere with drains etc.

Do gardenia bushes have large roots?
MASTER GARDENER to the RESCUE. Actually it's the other way around. Will your drains interfere with your gardenia roots? I am assuming you are planting the popular, normal sized plants like G. augusta and not G. thunbergia which in my garden has topped 12 feet?





The gardenia I assume you want to plant does not have a big nasty root system. In fact try to keep it from being crowding from other plants. I know you didn't ask for planting advise, but us MASTER GARDENERS always try to give you your nickles worth, so I'm going to tell you any how.





you want to provide fast-draining but moisture-retentive soil conditioned with lots of organic matter such as peat moss or ground bark. (don't forget to moisten the peat moss before mixing into the soil). Always plant gardenias high, like azaleas to avoid crowding from other plants and competing roots. That doesn't mean ontop of a 2 foot mound... but that really wouldn't hurt. Just so it is planted slightly higher then the other nearby plants.





Mulch to control weeds. Do not cultivate around them. If your water is high in salts, leach salt monthly to avoid leaf burn. Mist plants early in the morning except when in bloom.





Feed every 3 weeks during growing season with ACID plant food. Remove dead wood and faded flowers right away. Wash the plant frequently with jet spray of hose, but not if temp will top 90 deg.





They can be a real pain in the ... but when cared for they are a joy to be near. Enjoy.
Reply:They will not interfere with your drain pipes, I have two planted on top of were the sewer drains are in my yard, they have been there for around 8 years


How did Billie Holiday keep the white gardenia in her hair without it falling out?

Please no silly answers

How did Billie Holiday keep the white gardenia in her hair without it falling out?
You can put a bobby pin in between the branches or the flower or take a hair pin and go through the bottom of the flower to secure it.





Whatever you choose make sure you use at least 2-3 pins in different positions to secure it firmly.





It may take a little work, to get in in just the right position and make sure its secure, but take your time the first few times can be a little hard.





Good luck!
Reply:When i was her for halloween i tucked it in my hair (i have thick curly hair) and bobby pinned it and it stayed the whole night
Reply:she probably used hairpins like this:





http://www.orangeblossomtiaras.com/produ...





You can buy a cheaper version that bends back and twists around and it will hold anything in place.
Reply:idk


Gardenia care, how difficult is it?

Just purchased a potted Gardenia plant beaultiful! Never had to care for a Gardenia before. Any tips?

Gardenia care, how difficult is it?
Your challenge in growing the gardenia as a houseplant is to match the plant’s native environment as closely as possible. First, make sure you give the plant plenty of bright light, preferably direct sunshine for at least half a day. Winter will likely be the most difficult time to keep high light intensity due to shorter, gloomy days. Moving plants closer to southern-exposure windows and/or supplementing with plant-grow lights will help. Cooler room temperatures are best for the gardenia, around 55 F at night and about 10 degrees warmer by day.





Maintaining proper relative humidity is a challenge, particularly during the winter heating season. There are several ways to help increase humidity, including running a humidifier and grouping plants together on trays of wet pebbles. Misting by hand with a spray bottle offers only momentary relief and so does not really increase humidity in a meaningful way.





A healthy, blooming gardenia will need to be nurtured with a steady supply of water and nutrients, but don’t overdo. The goal is to provide the proper balance of water, air and nutrients. If soil is kept constantly wet, the roots will be starved for air. Too much fertilizer can lead to damaging salt accumulation. Monitor the soil frequently for moisture content, and water thoroughly as the top inch of soil dries. Use a fertilizer that is formulated for acid-loving, blooming plants, such as an azalea-type product, according to rates listed on the label.





Don’t be afraid to prune the gardenia; in fact, blooming will be more prolific on younger growth. Remember that the gardenia is a woody shrub in its native environment and so may need to have older, woody stems removed to encourage new branches.
Reply:I have had such a difficult time with gardenias. I can grow practically every thing else, but gardenias. Once again, I bought 3 gardenia plants and this time planted them in a slightly shaded area. They are doing great. Make sure you water them frequently (but not excessively) in their well drained soil as they will pout if you don't. Also, they are acid loving plants so fertilize so use a ferilizer especially for azalea's or gardenias.





Best of luck. Mine is finally changing!


What would make my new healthy looking gardenia bush wilt after it was planted in my garden?

Transplant shock is most likely the problem - basically your bush is in shock. This stress can be caused by different things taking place including not watering it in well and keeping it well watered (but not wet!). Newly planted shrubs, trees, plants, etc., require more water after they have been transplanted (make sure the area is well drained so as to not deprive them of oxygen and drown their roots and them). Transplant shock can manifest itself in wilt, yellowing and/or dropping of leaves, and even stunting of new growth. Transplant shock can last for quite a long time in some plants, again depending on the severity. Do not fertilize right now! This will only worsen the situation by making the plant grow more during a time of stress. Just be patient and give the plant time to adjust.

What would make my new healthy looking gardenia bush wilt after it was planted in my garden?
Hi


Thers a couple of reasons that this could happen when you dug the hole for it to be transplanted into did you 1. put some compost in to it and 2. give the ground a good watering and once you had coverd the roots with the soil give it a further watering using a plant tonic/food like mirical grow that can help the plant from shock of being up rooted and transplated. also if you took it out of a pot to transplant it in your garden it may have been better to soak the roots for a hour or so befor placing into the ground.
Reply:It depends on where you live. If you put it in full sun in zone 8 or 9, then that might be your problem. They need morning sun, afternoon shade if you are in a hot area.
Reply:Did you water it with Vita start(vitamin B1 plant starter)? Most plants get a little shocked when first planted. The Vit B helps the plants make this transition. Hope this helps

roots rain

Is Cape Jasmine, also known as Gardenia jasminoides, a monoecious, dioecious, or perfect plant?

It is a monoecious plant...





Hope this helps...

Is Cape Jasmine, also known as Gardenia jasminoides, a monoecious, dioecious, or perfect plant?
dicot


Will dog urine kill a gardenia bush?

Well, yes, eventually.. if the pee is continually applied to it.





Urine is high in ammonia and salts.. eventually, the salts will desiccate the plant and it will die.

Will dog urine kill a gardenia bush?
Over time yes.
Reply:It will take a lot of urine to kill it.


Where are the seeds on a gardenia flower?

i read that gardenias produce seeds .i dont see any seeds on mine

Where are the seeds on a gardenia flower?
If your variety is thunbergia, it's hard work getting the seed! You have to smash the fruits open and scoop it out by hand. Use a hammer or other blunt instrument to get the fruit open, and then use a nail or heavy spoon to scrape out the seed. Pretty unforgiving work!





If you have gardenia "jasminoides" or the common gardenia, your work will be a little easier at getting the seeds from the fruit (which follows behind the bloom), but from seed it can take 2 to 3 years for a new plant to bloom, whereas if you do air layering or take a cutting, you'll have a blooming plant in a year. Check out this site for more info: http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/...





Goodluck!


I have a huge gardenia bush when can i trim it so it looks better?

my daughter purchased a house and we need to trim the gardenia when can i do this it is so big and needs some minor trimming

I have a huge gardenia bush when can i trim it so it looks better?
If you need to prune you better do it ASAP. From what I've read you should prune immediately after the bloom period. Most gardenias bloom in spring or early summer, but some bloom as late as August. You don't want to cause new growth to form just as the weather gets cold. Below are 3 links with info on pruning that should be helpful.

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Is it possible, & how would I root, & transplant a gardenia?

Taken from a web site on the subject:


"Greenwood and semi-ripe cuttings root well at anytime of the year (March being the best time ). Both types of cuttings are taken from the current years growth. Basically, this means choosing shoots that have not become to woody (hard), nor those that are still soft and sappy. Use only healthy, disease free shoots. "


How do you tend to a potted gardenia inside your home? I've got it sitting by a window. Will it bloom there?

It should if you water and fertilize it properly.


Gardenia blooms white but then turns yellow?

I live in Las Vegas and have a potted Gardenia sitting on my patio porch. It gets partial sunlight but mostly shade. A few leaves turn yellow but what bothers me is that after the blooms come out white, they too turn yellow. Not all but many do. Any suggestions?

Gardenia blooms white but then turns yellow?
Take heart my friend. Gardenias are an extremely finicky plant. I hve had several and two I replanted (within 5 minutes mind you) keeled over and died within a week no matter wwhat I did. There are many reading your post that wish they could just keep them alive. But almost always after they bloom those beautiful fragrant white blooms they turn yellow %26amp; die. But you'll get more. Also look for aphids. I used to make a spray with 12 oz water %26amp; 4-5 harbanaro peppers crushed up let it sit for a few days shake and spray lightly.
Reply:Use cornmeal in the soil. That will stop the yellowing. I am not sure why or how it works but I know it does. Make sure its pure cornmeal. Not cornstarch. Good luck :) Report It

Reply:Gardenia is a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, southern Asia, Australasia and Oceania.





The genus was named by Carolus Linnaeus after Dr Alexander Garden (1730-1791), Scottish-born American naturalist.





They are evergreen shrubs and small trees growing to 1-15 m tall. The leaves are opposite or in whorls of three or four, 5-50 cm long and 3-25 cm broad, dark green and glossy with a leathery texture. The flowers are solitary or in small clusters, white or pale yellow, with a tubular-based corolla with 5-12 lobes ('petals') from 5-12 cm diameter. Flowering is from about mid-spring to mid-summer and many species are strongly scented.


I just bought a gardenia plant. The instuctions are in deutsch, so I´ve no idea how to make it grow and bloom

I know I should grow it in a container, but how much water do I give it, and what kind of sun/no sunlight?





Thank you!

I just bought a gardenia plant. The instuctions are in deutsch, so I´ve no idea how to make it grow and bloom
They like high humidity and high light intensity, but keep it relatively cool (especially at night, it likes to be around 60 degrees). Mist them often with a spray bottle, and keep the soil acid (look for azalea or acid-loving plant food).





Don't be upset if it dies or starts dropping leaves...those things aren't easy to keep alive indoors, especially when they're young. If you keep them too wet, they'll get gnats (let it dry out a little to kill off the babies), and if they're too dry, watch out for spider mites--little webbing between where the leaves meet the stem. If this happens, give your plants a shower (literally, stick them in the shower for a few minutes)


As with most house plants, stick your finger in the soil about an inch. If it feels dry, water it thoroughly (make sure you dump out any water that drains out the bottom, though). If it still feels moist, give it another day or two.





Hope this helps, good luck!
Reply:Ask at the place where you bought it! or look it up on the web. I think gardenias are from a warm climate, so unless you live in the south, yours may not last the winter. But you can enjoy it now!
Reply:Call the shop you bought it from. They should be happy to help you!

height increasing shoes

More blooms on a Gardenia?

I was just wondering if someone could tell me what makes a gardenia bloom more often. Mine seems to just have one at a time as a rule, the minute one is brown and falls off, another one blooms. My boyfriend's mother has one just a little bit larger than mine and it is full of them. Does this depend on climate? Sun? or just depending on the plant?

More blooms on a Gardenia?
I have found that my gardenias do not bloom if they are in full sun. Once I moved them to partial shade, they started blooming like crazy!
Reply:Do you fertilizer yours? Your boyfriend's mother probably does


What can I do to help with yellow foliage on Gardenia bush? (In coastal North Carolina)?

They do that at this time of year. It's a gardenia thing.





Epsom salts sprinkled around the drip line, water in with miraclegro, poke rusty nails in the dirt.





good luck, neighbor (mb, sc)


Help with diseased Gardenia Bushes ?

I have two very big Gardenia bushes in my yard and they both have this black stuff all on the leaves. I'm not sure if its a disease or something else they bloom every may 27th like clock work but that black stuff has been on the leaves for years now and I cant get rid of it. What should I do cut both plants down to the ground and let them grow back and if I should do that then when would be the right time of the year to trim them down? thanks to everybody who will answer this.

Help with diseased Gardenia Bushes ?
We've had the same problem. The black on the leaves is a "sooty mold" usually caused by whiteflies. Every so often, plants need a "bath" of sorts. Use Johnson's Baby Shampoo mixed into a gallon or so of water and put it in a pump-up garden sprayer. Thoroughly wet the plants with this mixture, allow to sit for a few minutes, then rinse off with a mild stream from the hose. In addition, use a pesticide such as Malathion to control the whiteflies.
Reply:I have gotten black powder type stuff on all three of mine every year the past couple of years. I just left them alone and they were okay. Call a nursery and take a sample to them to check it out. Mine are still alive and have buds coming on. It has been cool here so they are a little late this year. But, as you know my black stuff could be different from yours hard to say. I know I was upset the first time I noticed the stuff and am glad they are still alive.


I re potted my gardenia and it looks to be dead can some one help?

i also added in m-grow in the dirt.

I re potted my gardenia and it looks to be dead can some one help?
You may have shocked it with the m-grow (if that is a fertilizer). My suggestion is to repot again without the mgrow. Shake all the loose soil off the roots to get rid of all the fertilizer and repot with fresh soil. Cut all stems back to green. Keep it out of direct sunlight and water generously.
Reply:A friend gave me a gardenia last year and I decided to repot it right away. My plant lost nearly all it's leaves to shock. Gardenias hate to be moved, however, it will come back. Check one of the branches by scraping it with your fingernail and see if it is still green. If it is then it is still alive. If you can't find any green then you might consider a new plant. I hope your gardenia makes it.

bucked teeth

It has sprouts, now what will help my gardenia bloom?

Temperature. Gardenia needs to experience cool temps in order to bloom. As soon as temps reach 65 degrees by day then move it outside in an area with filtered light, but remember to bring it inside if temps drop below 50 at night. Gardenias tend to bloom when temps are between 65-75 degrees. This is also a good time to begin fertilizing them. It also helps to leave them outside through the summer and into the chiller days of Autumn before bringing them inside.





Good Luck

It has sprouts, now what will help my gardenia bloom?
Epsom salts and Bloom booster will help. What Spt said, she's brilliant.


I have a beautiful Gardenia plant outside in full bloom and I would like to........?

cut some and replant. I definitely do NOT have a green thumb and want to know: Can I cut some of the Gardenia plant off and replant?????? Also, how long will the plant bloom for?????

I have a beautiful Gardenia plant outside in full bloom and I would like to........?
I have never tried this with a Gardenia however I have rooted Hibiscus cuttings. You can do a search on the internet and see what it says about Gardenia cuttings. If you try it, go to Wal-Mart, Lowes, Home Depot, a nursery, etc. and get a hormone rooting powder. When you cut your piece off, you will dip the end into the powder and it REALLY makes a huge difference in rooting your cuttings. You can also just cut some pieces and stick them in water and see if they will grow roots for you. This did NOT work with my hibiscus but it may work for you. When you get decent roots growing off of the plant, you can put it in the ground.





I added a couple websites with more info on them. Hope this helps and Happy planting!
Reply:What do you mean by "cut some and replant"? If you mean cut some to make a flower arrangement, go for it. You can cut up to 1/3 of the plant, all the way down to the base, and it will come back even stronger next year, due to the new growth that will come in when you open it up and let in more light. Just try to take out the branches evenly, a branch here and there so that your plant will still look good until it grows back. Do this for 3 years, and you will have reduced the size and rejuvenated the shrub.





Prune soon after the blooms end because gardenias set their blooms for next year not long after this year's blooms are finished.





If you are talking about relocating the plant, that is a different subject and we will need more info.





I used to have a "brown thumb" but you would be amazed to see my garden now. Plant lots of things, experiment, water, prune %26amp; fertilize. Sunlight will do the rest!
Reply:http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/...





Replant means you want to uproot the gardenia and move it. You have said that twice but I sense you're really asking if you can root the pieces that you cut from the plant.





Softwood cuttings can be started around February at the beginning of the growing season. The plant is "concentrating" on the blossoms now.


Poll...Has anyone smelled the sweet Gardenia♥?

Is such a wonderful flower♥

Poll...Has anyone smelled the sweet Gardenia♥?
I fertilized my Gardenia plants last week but it has to get way hotter before they bloom. I have a little bit of Honeysuckle blooming right now, although Gardenias will always be my favorite smelling flower!





*GardeniaGirl is happy to see so many people love the sweet smell


of blooming Gardenias!!*





(((((♥Love n Hugs to Sweet Judy!!♥)))))
Reply:I figured since you capitalized the "G" in gardenia, that it meant you were looking for me. Thank you for the B.A., sweetie. With good luck, good doctors and some prayers, I'll come through this operation just fine on 4/4/8/.♥ Report It

Reply:Yes, They are lovely AND fragrant, aren't they?
Reply:Yes....that is a fragrance I like to buy as an air freshener too. I love my place smelling good.
Reply:My absolute favorite!
Reply:We have several, and take time to smell them
Reply:Hi Sweet Judy,


I would Love to go in your flower garden and smell your favorite flower.. Love's Judy My Friend,


A Friend,


poppy1
Reply:o how i wish.it is still snowing here in vermont.
Reply:mine started booming last week


mmmmmmm


My gardenia bushes are dry, brown, and brittle as of 5 weeks ago. Are they dead or just dormant?

Yeah they are on their way out. If they are in the wrong position to get at least 8 hours light then i'd suggest moving them. Water and mulch they should come back. I have a hedge of gardenia's and one did look like that but have put it in a sunnier position and it is coming back fine. I good test to see if it still has life in it, is to use your thumb nail and scratch the trunk a bit. If you see green under the bark our outter layer than its still has a chance. You'll know if its dead when you scratch it.

Kung Fu school

What is the best way to grow a Gardenia Bush? I have planted 3 in my garden and they have all died.?

Gardenia requirements are very exact, and to insure your plants continued bloom, these needs must be met.


Full sun, with some shading in the summer (in the hottest areas)


An acid soil with a pH between 5 and 6


Keep the soil moist, but never soggy


Humidity, or daily misting


Heavy feeding


**Cool night temperatures**


Gardenias should be planted in well conditioned soil containing peat moss and compost. Cultivating around the plants may damage their shallow roots, so the plant should be mulched with 2 to 3 inches of wood chips, sawdust or ground bark to keep the soil moist, cool and weed free. Feed the plants every three weeks during the growing season with a rhododendron-azalea food, or acidifying fertilizer. (Miracid)


Proper temperatures are necessary for a gardenia to bloom. This is the most critical aspect. Flower buds will fail to form if day temperatures are higher than 70degrees or night temperatures are over 65 degrees or less than 60 degrees. The ideal temperature ranges would be 65 to 70 degrees during the day and 60 to 62 degrees at night.


Gardenias can be pruned as far back as you like but you should keep a few important details in mind. First, cut plants back when they are dormant ( depending upon where you live). This will allow the stems to "heal their wounds" when the plants aren't actively growing. This way you can still enjoy flowers the next year. When pruning, don't cut all the leaves off. Some leaves need to be left so the plant can still produce food for the root system. The following spring, use an acidic fertilizer with chealeted iron and high nitrogen so the plant can produce healthy leaves and buds. If you only want your plant to become bushier, simply pinch out the tips while the plant is dormant. Pinching will usually promote a heavier bloom the following year.


If you are growing your Gardenia as a potted plant indoors, keep it out of direct, hot sun, and allow it to only get bright light.


If you have what appears to be 'black mold', it is more than likely an algae growth, which is a cosmetic problem for your plant rather than a health problem. This could be caused by insufficient air circulation, or possibly lack of sun. Unfortunately, the only way to remove this growth is by hand washing each leaf.

What is the best way to grow a Gardenia Bush? I have planted 3 in my garden and they have all died.?
Where do you live? I stick the pruned branches in the mud and they grow. I have them everywhere.





They grow well as far North as Virginia and as far South as Georgia.





They will frow in drought areas, but tthey like some water. They're okay with creek banks. They require little food, and like at least some sun, but do not like full sun in the South.
Reply:Hello,


I found these links for you.


They all look good.


The very last one should be really helpful, as the gardenweb people have many forums for answers in many catagories.


I visit there every day.


Hope ths helps, and have FUN!


Dave
Reply:Gardenias should be planted in well conditioned soil containing peat moss and compost. Cultivating around the plants may damage their shallow roots, so the plant should be mulched with 2 to 3 inches of wood chips, sawdust or ground bark to keep the soil moist, cool and weed free. Feed the plants every three weeks during the growing season with a rhododendron-azalea food, or acidifying fertilizer. (Miracid)


Proper temperatures are necessary for a gardenia to bloom. This is the most critical aspect. Flower buds will fail to form if day temperatures are higher than 70degrees or night temperatures are over 65 degrees or less than 60 degrees. The ideal temperature ranges would be 65 to 70 degrees during the day and 60 to 62 degrees at night.


Gardenias can be pruned as far back as you like but you should keep a few important details in mind. First, cut plants back when they are dormant ( depending upon where you live). This will allow the stems to "heal their wounds" when the plants aren't actively growing. This way you can still enjoy flowers the next year. When pruning, don't cut all the leaves off. Some leaves need to be left so the plant can still produce food for the root system. The following spring, use an acidic fertilizer with chealeted iron and high nitrogen so the plant can produce healthy leaves and buds. If you only want your plant to become bushier, simply pinch out the tips while the plant is dormant. Pinching will usually promote a heavier bloom the following year.


If you are growing your Gardenia as a potted plant indoors, keep it out of direct, hot sun, and allow it to only get bright light.


I think that your 'black mold' is more than likely an algae growth, which is a cosmetic problem for your plant rather than a health problem. This could be caused by insufficient air circulation, or possibly lack of sun. Unfortunately, in your situation, the only way to remove this growth is by hand washing each leaf.


Will a gardenia plant survive the winter in Kansas City, MO?

It will not survive frost unledss kept indoors


My gardenia plant has root rot, what is the best way to rid it if possible?

Not only do what dances_with_unicorns19... suggests but cut your gardenia plant right back or the plant may die.





If there is more plant growning on top of the ground than the roots can handle the plant will go into stress. Because some of your plants roots are rotted it want be able to nourish your plant.





Buy some seaweed fertiliser to help your plants roots grow strong again.





http://www.alibaba.com/catalog/11102753/...

My gardenia plant has root rot, what is the best way to rid it if possible?
Several univs and Dept of Ag tested seaweed as a plant food and found it was not any good. Okay at first, but later on it kills plants. Report It

Reply:Most plants that get root rot get it because they have been over-watered. Try letting the soil dry out, and then keep it moist, but not WET. Good luck!
Reply:Hi GDoc, nice to read you. You have been missed in YA, I've seen people asking for you.





Garden Goddess chimes in: Take cuttings from your gardenia and root in water or use root hormone and plunk them in pots. I can't control myself doing new starts. gardenia will also root in situ -- place a brick or rock on a branch on the ground. It will root in about 2 weeks. Now, what am I going to do with all my gardenia babies??
Reply:MASTER GARDENER TO THE RESCUE





My pardons to the fine gardeners above, but my 20 plus years experience with gardenia root rot suggests.... trash it and get a new one. You will spend a lot of time, money and work and you will end up no better off then you are today. Root rot in a woody root system never comes out good in the end.





Listen to Lola Bunny and get a new plant and spend your time enjoying it.
Reply:I just spoke to a U of C Master Gardener and his advise is not to waste time and energy on it. Get a new one and spend your time enjoying it.
Reply:Dont get rid of the plant mate,try and make it better.


Yellowing of leaves, gardenia's, vinca's and roses?

what could be causing this? the gardenia leaves have been yellow since summer, the vinca leaves are starting to go yellow now. some of the rose bushes in a different location are also starting to yellow.





is this a problem with the soil acidity?

Yellowing of leaves, gardenia's, vinca's and roses?
Another possible cause of the yellowing is too much water. Yet another cause is chlorosis, meaning too little iron. Take a few leaves from each plant and bring them to a Master Gardener in your area. These are volunteers with a lot of experience with plants. You find them by calling your County Agricultural Extension (or similar department in your area.) Cut the leaves, or branches just before you leave so the Master Gardner can see them as they are on the plant, not dried.





As for acidity, you can have this tested by professionals, or use a cheap kit at a local garden center. The professional testing would include more elements of the soil, and give you a good report for what your soil and plants need for success. It's the best thing to do, but is expensive. Good luck.
Reply:It may be the soil. pH does effect how nutrients are taken up by the plant.





More likely it is a deficency. Nitrogen deficency can cause yellowing. It may be magnesium tho. That is usually what roses need. Add a little Epsom salts (magnesiun sulfate) to the water/fertilizer. Get a fertilizer for acid loving plants may be easier. Make sure it has 'micro nutrients', not just N-P-K but also S and Mg and other things.





Sometimes gardenias get yellowed from too much sun. But since it is also on other plants prob'ly not that.





Start with about half strength liquid fertilizer, a foliar feeding. That will get to the plants much faster. Water soluble fertilizer, like MiricleGro.
Reply:roses get yellow leaf when they are watered on the foliage. Just water the base, and this will not happen so much.
Reply:Not likely soil prob.Get a good spray for yellow spot for roses,and if you dont water reg. this can cause sim. prob.Also be carefull w/liquid fertilizers they can cause leaf burn,may be problem if you are useing.

pulling teeth

Can someone give me tips on gardenia (jasmine) plants. Indoor keeping, shade, sunlight, water, fertilizer etc?

Gardenia requirements are very exact, and to insure your plants continued bloom, these needs must be met.





* Full sun, with some shading in the summer (in the hottest areas)


* An acid soil with a pH between 5 and 6


* Keep the soil moist, but never soggy


* Humidity, or daily misting


* Heavy feeding


* **Cool night temperatures**





Gardenias should be planted in well conditioned soil containing peat moss and compost. Cultivating around the plants may damage their shallow roots, so the plant should be mulched with 2 to 3 inches of wood chips, sawdust or ground bark to keep the soil moist, cool and weed free. Feed the plants every three weeks during the growing season with a rhododendron-azalea food, or acidifying fertilizer.





Proper temperatures are necessary for a gardenia to bloom. This is the most critical aspect. Flower buds will fail to form if day temperatures are higher than 70degrees or night temperatures are over 65 degrees or less than 60 degrees. The ideal temperature ranges would be 65 to 70 degrees during the day and 60 to 62 degrees at night.





Gardenias can be pruned as far back as you like but you should keep a few important details in mind. First, cut plants back when they are dormant ( depending upon where you live). This will allow the stems to "heal their wounds" when the plants aren't actively growing. This way you can still enjoy flowers the next year. When pruning, don't cut all the leaves off. Some leaves need to be left so the plant can still produce food for the root system. The following spring, use an acidic fertilizer with chealeted iron and high nitrogen so the plant can produce healthy leaves and buds. If you only want your plant to become bushier, simply pinch out the tips while the plant is dormant. Pinching will usually promote a heavier bloom the following year.





If you are growing your Gardenia as a potted plant indoors, keep it out of direct, hot sun, and allow it to only get bright light.


I think that your 'black mold' is more than likely an algae growth, which is a cosmetic problem for your plant rather than a health problem. This could be caused by insufficient air circulation, or possibly lack of sun. Unfortunately, in your situation, the only way to remove this growth is by hand washing each leaf.


My gardenia plant has black specks on leaves how do i get rid of them?

Try using horticultural oil spray on them. It sounds like aphids or spider mites and oil sprays are very effective. Don't forget to spray the underside too because there is usually a lot there too. There is no poison in it (it works by coating them and they suffocate) so it's safe to use indoors or out.

My gardenia plant has black specks on leaves how do i get rid of them?
Try a little food grade corn meal spread on the surface


What is the best way to take care of an african violet and a gardenia?

To care for African Violets always water from the bottom of the pot. Fill the tray the flower pot is in up with water. You can feed the plants at the same time. I use the liquid fertilizer specifically for violets, 7 drops to 4 cups of water. Check the tray about every 5 to 15 minutes to see if the water has been absorbed by the plant. After 30 minutes empty any water left in the tray. Wait until the soil of the African Violet has dried out before watering again. I don't know how to care for gardenia.

What is the best way to take care of an african violet and a gardenia?
There are also pots specially made for african violets. They are a two pot system, where you put the water in the bottom pot, and the top pot soaks in the water as needed. They work very well for me. Report It

Reply:they pretty care of thereself. just keep area clean
Reply:megan s gave a great answer. water the african violet from the bottom. they dont like water on their leaves. they like a lot of sun and they like to be root bound.


What is the difference between Gardenia and Cape Jasmine?

two totally different plants that both smell good.

What is the difference between Gardenia and Cape Jasmine?
"Gardenia" is the genus coupled with "jasminoides" as the species = "Cape Jasmine" common name.





That's the trouble with common names... there can be 20 different plants with the same name. Stick with the botanical when you can, and you are much less likely to get confused.





So in essence, I believe what you are asking is "What is the difference between Kleenex and tissue paper?" It's not your fault. Nurseries and growers make our lives frequently difficult.





Hope that helps some





Eric the GardeningGeek

Fitness Shoes

When is the best time in south Georgia to plant a 5 inch high gardenia plant?

I have the plant in a pot in my home and need to know the best time for transplanting it to the garden

When is the best time in south Georgia to plant a 5 inch high gardenia plant?
You want to wait until the spring to plant the gardenia. Plant it after the last frost. I have always heard that the gardenia has to be planted on the north side of the house and covered with plastic in the winter. My mother had one on the south side of the house and gave it no special attention during the winter. I had a bedroom window on that side of the house, and I kept it cracked during bloom. The smell is heavenly!





Rain
Reply:yes, for sure you want to plant in spring, gives time to establish root before winter. I live in NC and thats when I plant any type of gardenia plant. Thats one my favorites!











Brant Report It

Reply:ALWAYS transplant any plant outdoors at least two months before the first frost so roots have a time to get settled and take place before the frost. Also, use a layer of mulch to cover and it will help it keep warm too.


I brought a 2 ft potted gardenia and it is getting yellow leaves. Is it needing more water, or fertilizer?

Sounds like it needs fertilizer. Try Miracle Gro for flowering plants. I think yellow leaves are a sign of lack of iron, but the Miracle Gro should do the trick.

I brought a 2 ft potted gardenia and it is getting yellow leaves. Is it needing more water, or fertilizer?
gardenias need acid. this can be done by a few not many coffee grinds, or a very little bit of lemon juice. add and water, and a week of two later add some plant food like miracle gor, which seems to be a good plant food for gardenias.





also stop the watering for a day or so unless warm
Reply:You might want to back off on the water for a week or two. Yellow leaves are one sign of overwatering.


I have a gardenia plant indoors, could any body tell me if i can put it outside please?

and if so what postion does it like in the sun or in the shade, what soil .





thanks.


jen.

I have a gardenia plant indoors, could any body tell me if i can put it outside please?
I have a whole bunch of them in pots outside. They are doing great but when the first sign of frost comes, they will be moved back inside. They are an acid loving plant, partial shade is good. They are my very favorite of all......wonderful aroma. You can spray them with Volck which is great for bugs and makes their leaves even shinier. Good luck!!
Reply:Join Yahoo group gardenmessenger they will help you - also they have a web-site www.gardenmessenger.net
Reply:I have a gadenia bush tree in s florida and it is in full sun and sandy soil.


Also it produces 3 or 4 times a year


oooo ooo that smell


can't ya smell that smell......
Reply:I live in zone 8 and I have two outside by my carport. They get morning sun and my 100 year old pecan trees shade them in the afternoon. Being in zone 8 sometimes we will have problems with freezing weather but they seem to make it every year. Also I have problems sometimes with mildew, and I know this may be hard to believe but I mix a tablespoon of Clorox to 1 gal. of water and I spray the plants and they do great and it also gets rid of bugs.
Reply:If you bought it outside, it is an outdoor plant. If you bought it inside the store, it is an indoor plant but could tolerate the summer in a shaded area.Gradually bring it indoors before any frost might damage it. I had one of those %26amp; brought it in and all the leaves fell off. It was beautiful, white flowers %26amp; fragrant, too. I believe my house was too warm %26amp; the temp change shocked it.
Reply:It should be fine outside in the summer, though I wouldn't out it in the direct sunlight. Make sure you water it enough! It would do it good also to put it out when it rains (this goes for any house plant as it goes!) as it gives them a good cleanse. xx
Reply:Where do you live? What is your planting region number? With that information you can easily find out if it's ok. I live in Central Florida region number 9... and it's ok to plant gardenia outside.


My gardenia is dying I just planted it. What do I do?

I bought a patio gardenia tree planted it on Aug 13, and it is lossing its leaves like its not geting any water whats up??

My gardenia is dying I just planted it. What do I do?
Gardenias are very prone to iron chlorosis. Iron deficiency in gardenias can be recognized by yellowed leaves with dark green veins, which appears most prominent on the newest growth first. You can add an iron /sulfur product to supply the needed iron and to keep it relatively "available" by acidifying the soil, but you also need to start out with a planting mix that is all organic matter, including peat moss and bark mulch. Truth is, you probably should grow your gardenia in a container if you live in an alkaline soil area. If your problem is other than iron chlorosis, it may be thrips. Look the leaves over carefully with a good magnifying glass, especially the undersides. Thrips are slender, fast moving insects that range in color from pale yellow to black.They have narrow,fringed wings. They do their damage with sucking mouth-parts. If you can determine that thrips are the problem, they can be controlled with horticultural oil or neem products. Garlic tea and seaweed sprays are very effective.
Reply:Gardenias(as well as Azaleas and Camellias) like to be planted high. If they are planted too deeply they will die. They don't like their surface roots to be buried. I know it will look a little funny but the plant will be happier. If you think that could have been the case, carefully pull it up and replant it higher.


Good luck :-)
Reply:2 things maybe:


The roots are dry because the soil isn't packed good around the roots, so when you water, the water just travels by the roots and out the bottom.


Or ants in the pot (you need to remove it from the pot to see). Flush them out and re-pot.


Good luck.
Reply:Most people tend to over water gardenias. If the leaves are turning yellow and dropping that is a sure sign of over watering.
Reply:They need more iron than most plants.


Get a fertilizer for Gardenia.


Up root and replant them if necessay.
Reply:Most gardenias also like part shade, say morning sun afternoon shade. And make sure you are not overwatering or underwatering it.

adult teeth

What is the best way to raise a young gardenia plant? Sun or shade?

full sun or mostly sun is best for gardenias so they can bloom.

What is the best way to raise a young gardenia plant? Sun or shade?
you can do both, not just put it in the shade, you've got to put it in the sun sometimes.


In Pokemon Pearl where do I go after I deafeat Gardenia?

I got my 2nd gym badge with my lv. 27 Prinplup and my other pokemon, and im stuck I don't know where to go next.


Help a clueless 12 yearold?

In Pokemon Pearl where do I go after I deafeat Gardenia?
do u have cut? if so use it on those trees outside the team galactic place and go to top floor andc save riddle. hell give u a bike if u g to his bike shop then go down the bike path :-). however i dunno where u get cut i dunno if cheryl gives it to u or what. does this help?


What type of beetle looking bug is infesting my gardenia?

the bug hides on the branches and underside of leaves. it is kinda big yet hard to spot as its color blends in with the branch. It chews the leaves and the blooms are dying quickly. It is not shiny like some other beetles. I cant find it in google images. I am in North Carolina if this matters. Please help

What type of beetle looking bug is infesting my gardenia?
Could well be Scale insect and/or mealy bug........... Scale is commonly found along the stem and on the back of the leaves. Mealy bugs tend to hide among leaf nodes. Treat scale with PestOil. Follow up applications may be necessary.The presence of these insects also suggests the plant is under stress. Make sure it is well watered and correctly fertilised.
Reply:GARDENIA PROBLEMS ::





Diseases ::





Probably the most serious gardenia disease is stem canker, which occurs on the main stem at the soil line. Fortunately, this disease is not too common in Florida. Stem canker is distinguished by rough, cracked areas that form cankerous growths near the soil line. The disease organism enters the plant through wounds, so every precaution should be taken to prevent damage to stems. Destroy any infected plants to prevent infection of other gardenias. No fungicides are available to control the disease.


"Sooty mold," an organism that looks like a disease, often occurs on the foliage turning it black. This black, smut-like substance does not injure foliage but prevents sunlight from reaching the leaf, thereby reducing photosynthesis. The organism is not parasitic but lives on honeydew secreted by sucking insects such as aphids, scales, mealybugs and whiteflies. Sooty mold can be managed best by controlling these insects.








Insects


Many insect pests attack gardenias in Florida and can be troublesome unless proper control methods are used. The most injurious insects include scales, aphids, spider mites, thrips and whiteflies.


Scale insects include cottony cushion, Florida wax, soft brown scale and others. These insects attach themselves to host plants after hatching and give stems or leaves a lumpy appearance. Scale insects are difficult to control especially as they mature.





Spider mites can cause considerable damage especially during hot, dry periods. These small pests feed primarily on the underside of the foliage, causing colorless or whitish spots. Therefore, considerable injury usually has occurred when the homeowner notices the damage. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Office for the most recent recommendations on insect control.








Nematodes


Nematodes are among the most serious gardenia pests in Florida. Nematodes are microscopic, parasitic roundworms that live in and feed on gardenia roots. Although many kinds may affect gardenias, root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species) are the most common. Fortunately, the symptoms they cause are readily recognized: premature wilting, low vigor, thin canopy, and leaf and/or bloom loss under relatively mild stress. Roots infected by root-knot nematodes are swollen and gnarled (the overgrown tissues are usually called galls or knots). They often deteriorate prematurely because fungi readily attack the tender tissues that the plant produces in response to the infection.


In south Florida, gardenias are usually grafted on Gardenia thunbergia rootstock, which resists root-knot nematode attacks. This rootstock is considered too cold-sensitive for landscape use in north Florida, so flowering gardenias (G. jasminoides) are propagated on their own roots. No chemical treatments are available for nematode control in landscape plantings. The best practices to minimize effects of root-knot nematodes are to use the resistant rootstock where it is well adapted and apply organic matter liberally to the soil. The latter encourages natural enemies of the nematodes and provides gardenia roots with a better physical and chemical environment.








Bud Drop


One of the most difficult problems in gardenia culture is bud drop or bloom failure. Causes include root injury, insect damage, and unfavorable weather conditions.


Root injury may occur because of nematode infestations, poor watering practices, poorly drained soils, excessive fertilization or mechanical injury.








An excessive number of nematodes in the soil often damages roots and prevents normal uptake of water and nutrients.





Poorly drained, wet soils, or excessive watering excludes oxygen, thereby causing root injury.





Too much fertilizer adds excessive soluble salts and can cause root-system dehydration. It is important, therefore, to follow fertilizer recommendations.





Mechanical injury to root systems occurs most often during transplanting so be careful. Always plant gardenias at the same depth as they grew in the nursery. Don't transplant while they are in bud unless flowers are unimportant.





Insects damage unopened buds, causing them to drop. Thrips and aphids are most troublesome. Usually pear-shaped aphids are visible but tiny thrips can go undetected until they cause considerable damage.


During excessively hot, dry weather bud drop is prevalent because the plant cannot absorb water rapidly enough to compensate for water loss through transpiration. Maintenance of adequate soil moisture and frequent light syringing aids in reducing water loss and bud drop under such conditions. Gardenias may also experience bud drop following a rapid drop in temperature, even if the temperature does not reach freezing.
Reply:Do you have a pic of it? I can get it ided if you can send one.


It is true that scale and mealy love gardenia, but they are sucking bugs and if you have holes in the leaves, you have a cheweing bug. Where you live there are many types of beetles the will infest gardenias.


If we can id will be able to help you with control.


Why do my Gardenia flower buds just turn dark and don't bloom?

My plant is very healthy otherwise and has many buds on it.

Why do my Gardenia flower buds just turn dark and don't bloom?
Last week I did a search on gardenia care already aware how temperamental gardenias are. I ended up at "University of Rhode Island Green Share Factsheet" Altho you didn't say the buds were dropping after turning brown here are some possible causes. Low humidity, over watering, insufficient light, high temperature, rapid temperature fluctuations, cold drafts or change in plant locations. Since you stated your plant is otherwise healthy and isn't diseased sounds like you have a fighting chance, good luck!
Reply:I think it's called blosum rot and caused from high humidity

Teeth Cleaning

How do I protect a Gardenia Bush from a cold night, possible frost?

PLACE A LARGE PLASTIC GARBAGE BAG OVER IT DURING THE NIGHT. IF THE BUSH IS TOO LARGE FOR A GARBAGE BAG, USE AN INEXPENSIVE TARP.





REMOVE DURING THE DAY.

How do I protect a Gardenia Bush from a cold night, possible frost?
Cover it with plastic or cloth, but hold the plastic or cloth up with sticks so the plant doesn't touch it. It could freeze where it touches. Punch holes in a can and invert it over a tealight candle and put that on the dirt near plant, under the cover, if you can do so safely.
Reply:Where are you? Is your gardenia hardy there?


You could gently wrap it in burlap. If it is not hardy in your area it could be killed by freezing. Good Luck!
Reply:Put down a thick layer of mulch over black plastic to protect roots and put a big bag over top and closs around stock. Use a lite colored bag so sunlite can still get in . Put a few small holes in bag close to the ground.
Reply:We got snow today. The news people were telling everyone to put a blanket over flowering shrubs %26amp; flowers overnight.


What causes yellow leafs on gardenia plants ?

the coloration of a leaf depends on what pigment they do have , in the case of gardenia, the pigment that gives the color yellow is xantophyll instead of chlorophyll which is for green. hope i enlightened you with your query. thanks and enjoy yahoo answers .

What causes yellow leafs on gardenia plants ?
Too much water.


Can you plant a Gardenia Veitchii plant outside in the garden in zone 6?

Yes, that Gardenia is hardy from zones 6 - 9.

Can you plant a Gardenia Veitchii plant outside in the garden in zone 6?
this is a zone 8-10 plant for outside...you should keep it inside


Is a gardenia plant an indoor plant?

Where you live depends on if it should be in a pot or if you can plant it outside. Use the planting zone guide below to determine that. Then open the link for growing gardenias to see what the real experts have to say.


Lilacs, Peonies Gardenias , Jasmine and Honeysuckle. The beauty of their smells.Ummmmmmmmmm!


They can be grown indoor or outdoor according to the zone.





Below link is your planting zones


USDA Plant Hardiness Zones


http://www.thegardenhelper.com/hardiness...


Growing Gardenia Plants


http://www.thegardenhelper.com/gardenia....

Is a gardenia plant an indoor plant?
It can be but depending on the gardening zone you live in, it does not have to be.
Reply:outdoors for summer, check label and see if its winter hardy, some are, if you bought at a jewel store and not a plant place,chances are it's only good for summer outside.
Reply:It can be if you put it somewhere where there is a lot of sun light but usually they are not.
Reply:Gardenias are usually grown outdoors, in sun or partial shade. If you want to try to grow one indoors, then you should place the plant in a location that receives some direct sun during part of the day, such as a window sill.





Gardenias are woody shrubs, some varieties of which can get 8 feet tall or taller. So to experiment with growing one indoors, you should pick a variety that has been bred to remain small. The Sunset Western Garden Book mentions several small varieties -- for example, "White Gem" grows 1-2 feet tall and is listed as being a good container plant.





Gardenias like an acid soil that drains well but retains moisture. So use plenty of organic matter, such as peat moss, in the potting soil. Good luck!

dermatitis

My gardenia has not bloomed sense i bought over a year ago what am I doing wrong?

i have trimmed it, and i water it all the time its very green its just grownin leaves what can i do to make it bloom?

My gardenia has not bloomed sense i bought over a year ago what am I doing wrong?
Gardenia requirements are very exact, and to insure your plants continued bloom, these needs must be met.


Full sun, with some shading in the summer (in the hottest areas)


An acid soil with a pH between 5 and 6


Keep the soil moist, but never soggy


Humidity, or daily misting


Heavy feeding


**Cool night temperatures**


LIGHT: Bright indirect light (near any window).





TEMPERATURE: 50 to 82F. Can tolerate 32 without damage.





WATER: Water thoroughly, allowing water to stand in tray, but don't allow roots to continually stand in water. Keep in mind that over watering is a common mistake that can permanently damage your plant.





HUMIDITY: High (60% or more) Your Italian terracotta will help maintain a proper humidity level by allowing evaporation to take place through the pores of the pot. It is also a good idea to keep water in the tray below the pot. A cool sunroom, bathroom, laundry room, or any other high humidity area in your house would be a good location





SAVING THE PLANTS FOR OUTSIDE: Your Gardenia can be placed outside in the spring in a well lit but shady location. It can remain outside well into the autumn season until the temperature starts approaching 40 degrees where it must be brought inside.





GETTING YOUR GARDENIA TO RE-BLOOM: Gardenias need cool nights (50-55 degrees) for the formation of flower buds. Spring and autumn are the perfect time to achieve this.





COMMON PROBLEMS: The most common problem encountered is bud drop. Flower buds abort and drop off just before they open. Common causes include low humidity, over watering, under watering, insufficient light and high temperatures (night temperatures between 50 and 55 ° F)





HOPE THIS HELPS!
Reply:Ever heard of pollination ? You need another bush and possible 2-3 more ,they will not bloom with just one bush.Corn won't produce with only one row of corn??Strange but true?
Reply:I have only one small shrub and it blooms so much. I have followed the following instructions and I am really happy with my blooming Gardenia.





Gardenias are popular shrubs and ornamentals in the southern part of the United States where severe cold won't damage the plants. Plants always seem to have more blooms at the time you receive them than any other time in their life due to less than favorable growing conditions in most homes.








Gardenias thrive on 68-74 degrees F temperatures in the day, and 60 degrees F evening temperatures. Plants prefer full sun indoors; if grown outdoors for the spring, summer and early fall, keep plants in partial shade. An east or covered west porch will be satisfactory.








High humidity is essential to gardenia care. Avoid misting the foliage, though, as leaf spot fungal problems will develop. The soil should be kept uniformly moist, but don’t overwater. A loose, well-drained organic soil is recommended.








Fertilize monthly between April and November with an acid fertilizer.








Check regularly for insects and other pests such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, thrips and scales. Follow recommended control practices if pest problems occur.








The most irritating problem encountered with gardenias is "bud drop,"when flower buds abort just before blooming. Common causes include low humidity, over-watering, under-watering, insufficient light high temperatures, rapid temperature fluctuations, cold drafts or change in plant locations. In other words, gardenias are temperamental!


Plants that do not set flower buds may be experiencing too much warmth.





Disease Problems:





Canker (fungus--Phomopsis gardeniae)


One of the most common gardenia diseases, canker is identifiable by a main stem swollen near or below the soil line. The bark also becomes corky and contains numerous longitudinal cracks in the cankered area. The stem above the canker is bright yellow in contrast to normal greenish white. If the humidity is high, a yellowish substance may be seen on the surface. Affected plants are stunted and die slowly. Destroy all diseased plants to prevent spread of the disease. Place new plants in a different location. Disease is easily spread on propagating knives.


Bacterial Leaf Spot (bacteria--Pseudomonas gardeniae, Xanthomonas campestris cv. Maculifolium-gardeniae)


Small, round ovoid spots on young, tender leaves are the first sign of bacterial leaf spot. As the spots enlarge, the center is at first pale yellow and later becomes reddish-brown surrounded by a yellow halo. Margins of the lesions are thickened and water-soaked in appearance. Spots may coalesce to form large, irregularly shaped spots. Severe infection may cause defoliation. Avoid overhead watering. The disease is spread by taking cuttings from infected plants. Use sterilized soil and pots.


Rhizoctonia Leaf Spot (fungus--Rhizoctonia spp.)


Leaves infected with this fungal leaf spot disease have tan to brown spots up to 1/4 inch in diameter. Spots are circular and zoned. The disease begins on the older leaves and spreads upward when the plants are watered excessively or when air circulates poorly because of overcrowding. Diseased leaves should be destroyed and sterilized soil should be used. Disease-free plants should be used for propagation. Avoid wetting foliage when watering.


Leaf Spot (fungi--Cercospora spp., Phyllosticta spp.)


These fungi cause spots of various sizes on leaves throughout the year. Spots may be small, dark-brown necrotic areas surrounded by a yellow halo. In severe cases, premature leaf drop may occur. Control is obtained by spraying with a folia fungicide at regular intervals.


Sooty Mold (fungus--Capnodium spp.)


Sooty mold causes black, thin layers of the fungus to form over the upper surface of the leaves. Sooty mold is caused by a fungus that grows on sugary exudates from white flies. Control white fly.


Bud Drop:


Bud drop, the abnormal dropping of buds, occurs during periods of high night temperatures or during periods of low light intensity. Some bud drop is a natural condition. Every effort should be made to keep the soil uniformly moist, but not wet, during flowering.


Powdery Mildew (fungus--Erysiphe polygoni)


Powdery mildew is characterized by white, powdery spots on leaves. Use preventive fungicide.


Other Diseases:


Root Knot Nematode, Cotton Root Rot, Crown Gall and Mushroom Root Rot


When is the best time to cut back my gardenia bushes?

And should I cut from the top or start at the bottom? Or just how do they need to be cut back, for a better shaped bush? Thank You for You'r Help

When is the best time to cut back my gardenia bushes?
Gardenias set flower buds in the fall for the next summer's blooms so you should prune your shrub in the summer immediately after the bloom cycle has ended.





If however, you have a year-round bloomer, prune them to shape after the main (first)flowering has finished. Think flush of new growth, flowers, flush, flowers. They like sun. If yours is in a pot, it likes a top-dressing of about 1 cup of rich compost a couple times per year.





Hope this helps!


Does anyone know if gardenia flower plants are poisonous to cats?

No, gardenias are safe.

Does anyone know if gardenia flower plants are poisonous to cats?
no they do not last year at Christmas they proved it on the news that they didn't harm animals what so ever
Reply:The thing with poisonous plants I found was the quantity! I researched the plants I had in my house and found one was poisonous. Upon further research I found that it was only poisonous if a certain amount was eaten. So I figured that by the cats weight and found the cat would have to eat ONE POUND of whatever it was that was poisonous for it to even affect the cat. However I wouldn't take any chances! But that is a good thing to know at least. One leaf wouldn't hurt them. And Gardenia is safe.
Reply:You can breath easy, gardenia's are most ceratinly NOT poisonous to you cat(s).
Reply:I don't know about gardenias, however, all types of lillies are very toxic and can kill your cat!