Gardenias are one of those flowers that few people forget. They may not be as brightly colored as a Stargazer Lily, but they have a fragrance that is very memorable. These aromatic bushes are easy to care for and will reward you with a fantastic amount of blooms year after year. Here are 5 tips on caring for gardenia bushes to get you started.
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Sunlight
Gardenia bushes that are planted outdoors like lots of sun, but they prefer to not be in the direct afternoon sun. This is the hottest part of the day and kills many plants. If you have a gardenia bush indoors, then keep it placed in a location that gets lots of bright light, but not direct sunlight.
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Fertilizer
Gardenias are considered to be heavy feeders, which mean they prefer lots of fertilizer if you are willing to give it to them. A water-soluble fertilizer is best and should be given every couple of weeks. Every 3 to 4 months, supply the plant with a fertilizer that is more of an acid-based variety.
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Pruning
Most people let their gardenia bushes run wild and forget about pruning. It isn’t really necessary with gardenia since they aren’t an unruly type of plant. If you do decide to prune yours, then be sure to do it after the blooms are finished.
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Humidity
Being from warmer climates, such as Africa, Asia, and Australia, gardenia bushes like lots of humidity. Having a greenhouse isn’t always an option for everyone, so there are other ways to increase the amount of humidity for your plant. Place the container on a platter filled with pebbles and water. You can also mist it daily with a spray bottle.
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Temperature
If lots of blooms are what you are expecting, then try to keep the daily temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The night time temp can drop down between 55 to 60 degrees. This pattern is fairly easy to maintain in most homes.
If you don’t already have a gardenia bush of your own, then I hope these tips show you the simplicity of taking care of one and inspires you to have one some day. They even come in a dwarf variety that is perfect for a patio and can easily be taken indoors during the winter. Have you thought about getting a gardenia bush or do you already have one? What attracted you to this type of plant?
Top Photo Credit: I'mMurphy'sLaw
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