It's been ten long years (and 9+ failed attempts) for me to get a gardenia to grow, much less bloom This year, I finally FINALLY managed to win my bet, thanks to re-potting in organic acid-rich soil (and no thanks to Aqua Globes)!
Gardenia Grow 2008: Not One, but TWO Flowers!
Proof that my thumb is now just a slight shade of grey...
Like some of you advised, the Aqua Globes actually backfired on me: it kept the gardenia too wet in the roots and the buds began dropping like crazy. So, after ditching the globes, repotting the plant in some high quality acidic soil, the gardenia began perking up considerably. I'd water it every other day (or so), and let the water drain out completely at the bottom. During the really hot days, I'd mist it in the afternoons. And now? It's blooming thanks to all of your suggestions!
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looks like you should go play dos gardenias- the latin love song and get close to someone
view davit's profile
Congrats! I'm rejoicing about my gardenia right now, too. I've had mine for 3-4 years, and after 2-3 years of leaves dropping off and buds that never opened, last year I finally had a single (gorgeous) bloom. It's still a bit leggy from all the leaves dropping off, but this year I already have 4-5 blooms and a dozen more buds that look promising. I'm not sure what I did differently--the pot is in the same spot with the same soil....maybe I gave it more water.
view burpchick's profile
No better smell in the garden in my opinion.
I remember my mom floating gardenias in a shallow glass bowl of water - it perfumed the whole house!
view LilyC's profile
I consider myself a pretty good gardner with a lot of experience, but unfortunately, that includes many failed attempts with Gardenias. I thought it was just me. Congratulations.
view msbeachwood's profile
oooh! Lucky you! I love gardenias and have done my fair share of killing them off.
davit: i love that song.
view jamjaree's profile