Gardenias

Gardenias perform best in rich, moisture-retentive, acid soils where they receive afternoon shade. Fewer flowers are produced if they are grown in total shade. They need yearly feeding with an Azalea/Camellia/Magnolia fertilizer containing iron.

Prune only after flowering. Occasionally, flower buds drop from the plant. This can be caused by dry soil, wet soil, insect infestation, root damage from digging, chemical contamination - including too much fertilizer, or soil nematode feeding.