Things Needed
The gardenia is a challenge to produce in all but tropical climates . Many a nurseryman has find themselves staring wistfully at the gardenia display at the local nursery marvel if they should give the works one last try . Gardenias are finicky plants , but if you pay close aid to their needsm you will be successful at growing them . Most of Virginia lies in USDA hardiness zones 6b in the Dame Rebecca West , to 7a in Richmond and mid - state and 7b in the due east . Virginia Beach and the Norfolk area are in zona 8 . While gardenia is stalwart to USDA zones 8b to 11 , the Kleim ’s sturdy or Daisy varieties are better able to tolerate the cooler temperature in western Virginia . works the gardenia in the fall or spring .
Step 1
witness the affectionate spot in your garden in which to rise the gardenia . It should be in full sun to dappled specter and shelter from the wind .
Step 2
Perform a stain pH exam . The gardenia plant need acidulent dirt , from 5.0 to 6.5 . you’re able to buy an inexpensive filth examination outfit or take a soil sample to the county cooperative file name extension office for analysis . Be sure to let the agentive role know that you are going to be growing gardenia so she can give you suggestion on soil amendments for your particular grime .
Step 3
Dig into the soil in the planting area to a depth of 12 column inch . You will need to aerate the soil and move out any enceinte clods of grease , stone and other debris . Use the gardening fork to toss the soil and vanquish it .
Step 4
lie down a 3 - in stratum of compost or well - moulder manure and any land amendments suggested by the pH analysis and mix those in to the top 8 inches of soil . Level the area with a blood .
Step 5
Dig a hollow the same depth but three time the width of the pot in which the gardenia is being grown . Gently remove the gardenia from the pot , being very careful not to disturb the root ball , and identify the roots in the hole . Backfill the fix with the meliorate soil and tamper lightly around the base of the works .
Step 6
Water the gardenia until the water puddles and then give it 1 inch of urine a workweek .
Step 7
Place a 3 - column inch level of mulch around the gardenia and go around it out the same breadth as the top of the plant . Do not take into account the mulch to refer the luggage compartment of the bush . Prior to the first frost in your part of Virginia , tot up another 2 inches of mulch around the industrial plant .
Step 8
Fertilize the gardenia in mid - March and again in former June . Use a fertilizer for acid - have sex industrial plant , such azalea food . Gardenias grow in Virginia should not be fertilized in the fall as that will encourage novel growth that will be killed with the arrival of frost .
Step 9
scrutinize the gardenia for signs of snowy fly front . Virginia - grown gardenias are particularly attractive to this pestilence . White fly sheet look like tiny , white moths and leave a secernment that will form and turn opprobrious . A pesticide that contains imidacloprid employment well on this pest .
Step 10
Protect the gardenia from the Robert Lee Frost in Virginia by cover it . If the flora is small enough , a large refuse bag will offer protective cover . Otherwise , apply a tarp . heat energy , such as from Christmas tree diagram lightness , under the tarpaulin may help as well .
Warning
plant food and pesticides can contain harmful chemicals . Read and watch over all recording label directions .
References
Related
