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Gardenia is one of the most attractive efflorescence for its heavenly fragrance , snow - white petals , and ability to bear southerly heat .

Although it ’s rewarding to watch Gardenias flower not only once but doubly annually , be careful because they ’re not the loose to cultivate .

gardenia light requirements

Photo Credit: Instagram @tiffany_n_tampa

Tag along to find the optimal conditions for growing and taking tutelage of your gardenia like a professional .

What Are The Gardenia Light Requirements?

TheGardenia bushrequires acidic soil rich in organic matter and plant food . lineal sunlight and high temperature are no - brainers for a southerly plant like ours . Finally , coherent lachrymation of at least one in a week is substantive .

4 Optimal Conditions for Growing Gardenias

Gardenias ask specific measuring stick while growing to last for more than one time of year and bloom twice . These passion - loving plants demand slightly acidulent , organically rich , and well - drained soil .

As they ’re southern plant life , they fly high in full sun to get direct exposure .

Here are the requirement you need to check before raise a Gardenia prime :

White rose in bloom with green leaves background.

Sunlight

Sunlight is the most important ingredient when it comes to growing Gardenias .

So , how much sunshine do gardenias need ?

These Southern flowers are full sun hardy , which means they can handle and even flourish in direct sunlight . That ’s why we recommend exposing yourGardenia like August Beauty , to full sun .

White flower on a green shrub.

However , you want to protect the plant life ’s folio from burning in the sun months , aka June , July , and August . you’re able to do so by exposing the program to morning and afternoon sun only and redact it in the shadiness when it ’s full noonday sun .

Soil

Gardenias flourish in slightly acidulous soil , typically 5 to 6.5 pH. Keeping your soil within this range is of the essence for the well - being of the Gardenia . apply a land psychometric test establish at a nearby home improvement center , online , or from your extension service .

Optimally , your stain should be organically ample and have good water retention . If you have in particular heavy cadaver soil that wo n’t allow the roots to breathe properly , merge it with the right amount of compost .

As oppose to heavy filth , which stimulate waterlogged soil , sandy land dry out quickly and does n’t retain water system . Both condition are n’t respectable for the Gardenia Sun .

White gardenia flower in bloom among green leaves.

Zone

The Gardenia Sun is a subtropical plant that grow best in areas with gamy humidity and temperatures . Although most Gardenias are hardy in zones 8–9 , a few are stout in geographical zone 10 and 11 . Also , zone 7 - hardy Gardenias are rare but certainly not lacking .

Watering

Consistent wet is essential for Gardenias as they are n’t drouth - broad . To get the optimum amount of moisture for the gardenias , you need to consider three ingredient :

As a rule of pollex , ensure the Gardenias have admittance to at least 1 in of water per week . If your develop area is n’t commonly discover to rainwater , water the plant deeply once a week .

Check twice that your soil will take in the water supply without suffocating the plant life .

White gardenia flower in full bloom.

Organic issue and fertilizers help keep the water level up at an appropriate height for the shrub .

apply a slow - releaseGardenia fertilizerdesigned for acidic flora to keep the filth rich and the root well - irrigated .

What to Avoid When Growing Gardenia In the Sun

Other than the conditions mention , there are some thing you need to avoid while train Gardenia Suns :

Gardenia Bud Drop

If you notice thatGardenia bud dropping offbefore their flower time of year , they ’re feeble . It could be because they do not have enough urine or sunlight .

ensure you water your Gardenia continually in Summer , as the hot Sunday can dry out the water quickly . A flea infestation is another potential cause of the bud fall .

Mold

Finding the leaves soot - cover and moldy is never a honorable sign ; it might be because of a whitefly or aphid infestation . To insure your Gardenia stays healthy , consistently remove the mould with insecticidal soap .

Gardenia Sun Disorders

Be careful about the disorder that can harm your Gardenia , such as iron deficiency . The symptom of this disorder is the gradual yellowing and decaying of the usually snow - livid foliage .

Luckily , you’re able to quickly treat this condition by retesting the grease ’s acidity and tot Fe - fat suppliers , such as a foliar feed ofchelated iron for plants .

Another disorderliness is the lack of develop bud , which lead from expose the Gardenia to little sun or only nuance .

If your industrial plant tolerate from this case , remember that Gardenia is basically a sun - loving southern plant . Therefore , it needs unmediated sunlight to thrive .