Gardenia, also known as Kukui, Bonsai wherry, Marinberry or Pineapple, is a small tropical shrub with needle-shaped green leaves and a small red fruit.
With a quick recovery, you can re-pot your Gardenia every two to three years to a larger container. Once you have picked the fruits from the flower buds, the plant will begin to produce other buds. Some of the lighter flowering varieties will continue to bloom for two to three months.
Gardenia grow best in a partially shaded area, with rich moist and well-drained soil. Plant so the top of the root ball is just below the surface of the soil. The stem should be straight and strong. Avoid its strong scent as much as possible. Its leaves are excellent for tea.
To root cuttings like Gardenia require partial shade to a stronger southern or western exposure. If grown in a completely shady area, your Gardenia will form a massive covering that will block the transfer of light to the lower parts of the plant. Light should be allowed to penetrate the plant to bloom.
Good drainage is the key to successful Gardenia. The sandier the soil, the better drainage. You can protect your Gardenia plant from the summer heat by providing enough water in the summer to determine that it is dry enough to for the plant to have a deeper root system. If watered properly, the roots can go deeper to conserve water in dryer spells.
Planting a miniature Gardenia in a pot is one of the best ways to partially restore your Gardenia, before its natural growing cycle is gradually transferred to a larger container. The transplanting periodization of your Gardenia plant will be slightly longer, because of the slower process of growth.
Gardenia shrubs or plants will make a beautiful addition to your garden, when planted in groups or clusters. The rhododendron is a group of flowering shrubs that include the azalea, the yucca and the mountain ash. It is possible to find a type of Gardenia that will suit any type of garden.
Whether you grow your Gardenia plant in a container or in the ground, you will need to determine when it is the right time to begin its growth cycle. Because the Gardenia plant isrineous, it does not have a choice of growth properties. If you want the best Gardenia plants, you must learn how to grow it properly. If you want to succeed, you must understand why this is necessary. It is not just a matter of following a step-by-step guide to successful gardening. It requires wisdom and observation. Only you can decide which Gardenia is right for you.
Your first step should be to find the right spot for your Gardenia plants. Gardenias typically thrive in a dry rather than a wet location. The soil should be dry, but not dry enough to become powdery. You can test the soil with a kit, or with a device you can fashion yourself. You can also place a small dish of water in the spot where you want to start your Gardenia. If the water starts to get absorbed in the soil, you may be watering too much.
It usually takes about six to eight weeks for your Gardenia to start to sprout its leaves. Once the sprouts are a couple of inches high, they are ready to be transplanted. It is best to dig a hole for your transplants, somewhat deep and approximately three times as wide as the sprout is in height. Pack earth around the plant and carefully sink it into the ground. Just enough to contact the ground is better for the sprout, rather than pushing a huge piece of soil into the hole.
It is best to keep the roots damp while transplanted. You can gradually let the plant dry more, after it has established itself in its new home. The nurseries provide plants that have a built-in irrigation system. Check with your nursery, or shop around for a unit that will be ideal for your Gardenia plants.
For your Gardenia plants, a unit of about four gallons should suffice. As your Gardenia is a rampant grower, it will need a lot of water. A drip irrigation will fit the bill. Again, make certain that the water is at ground level, so that chi can circulate around the roots.
Your Gardenia will make a strong comeback next year, with or without you. It has a bit of a head-start in the spring, so make sure you drag it out before the heavy rains begin.
