The Gardenia

• The gardenia is an ornamental shrub boasting fragrant white flowers, which bruise easily upon handling. The plant's leaves are dark green and glossy. They do best in the southern parts of the United States and don't tolerate severe cold or frost. They prefer a mild daytime temperature between 68 and 74 degrees with an evening temperature of 60 degrees. While the gardenia shrub requires high humidity, spraying or misting the plant promotes leaf fungal problems.
  
  

Bud Drop

• New bud growth doesn't always produce new flowers. Bud drop occurs when young buds fall from the plant before opening. Since the gardenia is prized for is intensely fragrant flowers, gardeners try to prevent bud drop. Bud drop causes include improper watering, low lighting, low humidity, severe weather changes and a change of location.
  
  

Heat

• Too much heat inhibits new flower growth by discouraging new bud development. Gardenias are temperamental plants requiring an even and consistent supply of moisture without overwatering. Heat and dry air inhibit growth, as can gloomy days with little sunshine. Some gardeners grow gardenias as houseplants. To encourage new growth when grown indoors, gardenias require bright light, cool temperatures and moderate humidity. Supply humidity by using a room humidifier or filling a tray with water adding pebbles and setting the pot on top of the pebbles.
  
  

Pruning

• Removing older, woody stems from the gardenia plant encourages new growth. This also increases flower production, as new buds develop more prolifically on newer growth. When pruning the gardenia, always use a sharp gardening shears with clean blades to avoid spreading plant disease. Some gardeners wipe their gardening blades with rubbing alcohol to sanitize before and after cutting on the plant. When using fertilizer, select a fertilizer suitable for azaleas or other flowering plants that prefer acid-soil conditions.