Hello, Fragrantsky. Care for it just as you would care of any other gardenia, except this one is hardy to
zone 6.
Soil - Gardenias like acidic well draining soil so ammend your soil (if necessary). Use iron chelated products if you have alkaline soil and the leaves turn chlorotic (the veins are green but the rest of the leaf is yellow). Low rainfall areas of Central and Western Washington soils are commonly in the neutral to alkaline range. My soil here in Texas is also alkaline so I ammend my soil with organic compost and use iron chelated products as needed. Now, you do not have to go overboard trying to maintain your Ph Levels below 6.0 as gardenias will tolerate slightly alkaline or neutral Ph in their soils. You just have to learn to identify when the Ph has turned too alkaline by looking for iron chlorosis signs.
Sun - Morning sun (part shade) or dappled sun is best. Remember that Full Sun is at least 6 hours so make it less than 4 or 5 hours. The eastern side of the house or the eastern side of
trees is usually a good location. When planting under
trees, there is always the possibility that roots from the
tree will try to absorb the water meant for the gardenia so do not
plant the bush near the trunk.
Water - Keep the soil moist but not wet. You know when to water exactly if you dig a finger about 2-3 inches deep. If it feels dry then water it. Never water the leaves but water the soil around the
plant. This prevents fungal diseases.
Fertilize - I fertilize monthly with cottonseed meal (available is most nurseries) about 1/4-1/2 cup for a small
plant. Cottonseed is a slow-release food that, on its own, slightly acidifies the soil as bacteria decompose it. Another alternative is Holly-Tone from The Espoma Company. Spread the fertilizer around the drip line, away from the main trunk. Iron chelated products are available at most good nuseries, specially ones that sell lots of acid-loving
plants in alkaline soil.
Misc - Expect some bud drop to occur when first planted outside as the
plant begins to get used to your garden, when you water too much or too little, when outside temps fluctuate wildly, when you transplant it, etc.
Until the
plant is established in about a year, give more attention to root development issues/problems than to lack of bloomage.
Good luck with your new
plant, Luis
