“My gardenia has yellow leaves!” This is a phrase heard almost daily in the nursery industry. People love gardenia flowers, but have difficulty growing the plant in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Many gardenias planted in the Santa Clarita Valley die within the first year. Those who are successful in growing gardenias may have to try two or three times before they get it right. In spite of the many problems associated with growing the plant, gardenias continue to be one of the best selling plants in the nursery industry.
To achieve success in growing gardenias, it is necessary to understand their cultural requirements. Gardenias do not like Santa Clarita’s water, soil or climate. This may explain why they so often die when the correct conditions are not met. There are several modifications that may be made to the area where gardenias are planted to help them survive and thrive.
We cannot control the climate. We can, however, control where in the yard we put them. Gardenias grow very well with good morning sun until about noon, then shade the rest of the day. An eastern exposure should be ideal.
Gardenias do not like our alkali soil. In light of this fact, we should not use much of it. Replacing our native soil with an acid type mixture, such as azalea/camellia mix is ideal. Use about 80 percent of the packaged mix and only 20 percent of your garden soil. Feed the plant with acid-forming fertilizers from March through October.
Now for the hard part, watering. As previously mentioned, gardenias do not like our water, which is alkaline and generally high in salts. Since we cannot change the water, it is necessary to change our watering habits. Water your plants deeply and thoroughly to keep the salts soluble, leaching them below the root zone. Soak the entire root zone, just don’t do it too often. Gardenias do not like to have their roots continually wet. On the other hand, do not let your plant reach the wilting point.
Plant your plants on a slight mound to improve drainage, and keep the top of the root ball approximately one-half inch above the top of the soil level. As with any new plant, create and maintain a watering basin around the young plant until its roots are established.
Gardenia varieties grafted onto G. thunbergii rootstock have shown promising results in local gardens. Monrovia Growers brand is currently offering many of the most popular gardenia varieties on grafted rootstock. Hurry out and select a beautiful blooming gardenia to plant in your garden.
For additional information, consult the Garden Pros at Green Thumb Garden Center, 23734 San Fernando Road, Newhall.