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Gardenia flowers are without a doubt the most fragrant blooms I grow. They smell absolutely divine, and the flower itself is so beautiful with its creamy color and wavy texture. Currently, I have two young bushes and two more mature trees I care for. My trees are called 'August Beauty' and I got them when they were already established, so I paid a little more for them. Gardenias do require a bit of extra attention, but I think they're completely worth it. I've only had these since the Spring, so I can't call myself an expert in caring for them, but I've done a lot of my own trial and error over the last several months.

They love the heat (they're a native tropical plant) and boast evergreen leaves that have a thick, leathery look to them as they mature. They're simply irresistible once established and producing blooms regularly. My goal is to grow my bushes large enough where I can cut and enjoy blooms inside over the summer. Their lovely flowers bring a bit of happiness indoors. Here are the steps I've followed to keep my Gardenias happy and healthy through the seasons.

No. 1 // Hardiness Zone

First, determine your hardiness zone. This will help you determine if Gardenias traditionally grow well in your specific zone where you live. Nashville is in zone 7, which isn't the most ideal for Gardenias, but you can do it (obviously). This is why my Gardenia trees are in pots. I can easily bring them in once it gets too cold outside. I plan to place them by a sun-filled window during the winter. When grown indoors, they like 6-8 hours of sun through a window. Fingers crossed - I hope they survive!

No. 2 // Select The Location

Once you've determined your zone, select a spot with full sun to light shade. Another positive to keeping them in pots, is you can move them around to see where they do best, especially in the first weeks of owning them. Be sure you use a soil that's rich in nutrients and organic matter (manure). This will enhance the growth of your plant tremendously. For plants in the ground, same rules apply here. My two young bushes are planted in the ground, but it's important to plant them in the Spring after the last frost. This will give them time to get established before winter hits, which will increase the chances of their survival during the cold months.

Gardenias usually prefer full sun, but here in Nashville it gets unbearably hot during the summer, so mine appreciate the shade. In hotter climates, they do best with morning sun and afternoon shade. The trees on my front porch get a few hours of nice morning sun, but then enjoy the indirect sunlight for the remainder of the day, and I think this has something to do with how happy they've been.

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No. 3 // Proper Watering & Fertilization

Now that you have your Gardenias in the right spot, it's time to be consistent with your gardening regimen. I love watering my plants in the mornings. It's become a favorite part of my morning routine and it's a time of stillness for me. I listen to the birds and just take a moment to have some quiet time before the busy day. You'll want to make sure your soil is always moist and well drained. They need at least one inch of water each week, though you don't necessarily need to measure this. Basically, don't let the soil dry out, but don't drown them either. What I do is, I stick my finger about an inch down in the soil by the base of my plant. If it's dry, then it's definitely time for some water. They like to sip, not chug, so watering more frequently with less water is best if you can. This will ensure they are kept moist under the top layer of soil without being drowned.

They also love misting for extra moisture, so if you have a mister or an attachment on your hose that mists, they will really enjoy that. This will help the blooms to develop, as you will see them fall off if they are not getting enough moisture (see photo below of a bloom that eventually fell off due to under-watering). You can also sprinkle fertilizer into your pots every 2-4 weeks during growing season. This should help bloom development as well. Do not fertilize between the months of November to February.

No. 4 // Pruning

Pruning is key during growing season to keep blooms coming back week after week. Cut the expired blooms off right at the leaf node at a 45 degree angle. You will know they are ready to be pruned when they turn a pale yellow.

Cutting them off will encourage continuous blooming. I always pinch off leaves that have turned yellow as well. Yellow leaves are an indicator of under-watering/over-watering. Be sure to shape your plant when it is dormant, as this will promote branching and compact growth.

I included a bevy of great tools and accessories in this post that you can use for your Gardenias, as well your other gardens/flowerbeds. With gardening, don't be afraid of some trial and error. With Gardenias specifically, if you start seeing yellow leaves, pinch them off and adjust your care routine slightly! It won't die overnight, so you have some grace to experiment. Please don't hesitate to comment or reach out to me on Instagram for help - I don't know everything, but chances are I've encountered something similar! Have a good time with it and enjoy your beautiful gardenia blooms when they come in. I smell mine every time I walk out my front door, and I can attest to the joy they bring. I hope this article was both insightful and informational. Best of luck on your gardening adventures!