Gardenias are long-lived pleasures during the warmer months. Their gorgeous displays of white flowers stretch generously through the season. Even in the middle of winter, gardenias make attractive structural plants, thanks to their evergreen glossy leaves.

Growing happily in pots as well as garden beds, they're best positioned where you can enjoy the perfume - near doorways, windows and outdoor seating areas.

They also make brilliant container plants. Plant up a group of three in simple terracotta pots.

Gardenia maintenance 

There's little to do to keep gardenias looking good. Keep them compact and in shape with a light prune after they've finished flowering at the end of autumn.

Yellow leaves
 If there are just a few yellow leaves, usually lower down the plant, they are from old age and will naturally drop off. However, if both the new growth and older leaves are yellow, there is a nutritional problem: feed them with a complete fertiliser containing the major trace elements.

How to grow them

Gardenias prefer warm, frost-free locations that are protected from the hot afternoon sun. The ideal position is one that offers morning sun and dappled shade in the afternoon.

Gardenias like slightly acid soils. Even if you have good soil you can give it a boost with cow manure and compost. When planting, dig the hole about twice the size of the pot so the roots can establish quickly. Add a dose of water crystals to the bottom of the hole, water in well so they expand, then mix them lightly through the soil. Also, sprinkle a handful of organic manure pellets into the hole.

After planting, apply a layer of mulch to the soil surface as this will help to retain the moisture throughout the year. Apply a top-up layer of mulch annually in spring, before the hot weather arrives.

When planting gardenias in containers use a quality potting mix containing water crystals and slow-release fertiliser.

Feeding

Feed gardenias every three months with a complete balanced fertiliser like Organic Life Garden Food. When the buds form in spring, water in a soluble fertiliser for flowering plants, such as Better Bloom or Thrive Flower & Fruit Plant Food.