Gardenias have started to bloom in Marco, signaling an early spring. My 2 gardenias have loads of big fat buds! So far just a few have opened, releasing their heady fragrance. But I know in a couple of weeks the bushes will be covered with these fragrant blossoms. I pick a few and place them in water in shallow bowls around the house to bring their fragrance inside. They last for days this way, and I just replace them when they wilt. My gardenias rebloom in fall, tho not as prolifically. Experiencing these beauties is just one of the joys of living in Marco Island.
The following report, courtesy of the National Gardening Association with additional notes by me, gives details on care.
Gardenia
Best known for their fragrant white flowers, gardenias are heat-loving evergreen shrubs that have become a gardening symbol in the Southeast. Another common name is cape jasmine.
About This Plant
Plant gardenias near a deck or window where you can enjoy the flowers' fragrance. The plants grow from 2 to 8 feet tall and wide, depending on the variety. Most gardenias grow into a round shape with dark green, glossy leaves and white, fragrant flowers that bloom from mid-spring into summer.
Special Features
Evergreen
Fragrant
Planting Instructions
Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 3 to 6 feet apart. On Marco, our soil is composed largely of ground up seashells, which are alkaline. Like azaleas, these plants prefer acid soil. Have the soil tested to determine pH, and if necessary add the recommended amount of sulfur to reduce the pH to between 5 and 6. Dig a hole only as deep as the root ball and 2 to 3 times as wide. If your soil is in very poor condition, amend the soil you've removed from the hole with a small amount of compost. Otherwise don't amend it at all. Carefully remove the plant from the container and set it in the hole. Fill the hole half full with soil, then water it well to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Let the water drain, then fill the remainder of hole with soil and water thoroughly.
Care
Gardenias require at least an inch of rain (or equivalent watering) each week. Apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch to help keep soil moist, reduce weeding, and maintain a constant soil temperature. Feed monthly during the growing season with an acidifying fertilizer.
Pests
Mealybugs and aphids are common. I just spray the “soot” from the aphids with a solution of dishwashing liquid (such as Dawn) and water to remove the soot and aphids on my gardenias. I have not found mealybugs, which look like little cotton balls, to be a problem.
Comments(0)