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I will in Houston area in Texas. I am a novice gardener, recently inspired to grow a fragrant garden. A month ago i planted Augusta Gardenia plant and couple of other frost free variety Gardenia plants outside, in the ground. All plants receives full sun and i water 2 to 3 times a week.
The buds in the Augusta gardenia plant are beginning to droop. The other 2 gardenia plants (frost free variety) are doing well. Why are the buds drooping? or is this how the buds looks (normal condition) for Augusta Gardenia? see attached image. Thanks for your help
August Beauties are known to commit suicide. They like lots of water, but not wet feet. They need sunshine, but not too much. They're worse than teenagers.
At the point yours is at, you may be able to fertilize it with half strength Miracle Grow. You need to pull the plant out first though. See if the roots are white. If they are, then add some small gravel to the hole when you replant it. You have to keep water away from their roots. And they need constant moisture, but not too much or too often.
These are the worst gardenias I have ever tried to grow. I have killed more August Beauties than should be allowed by law. I steer people away from them as much as I can. Find an old common variety. They'll be more reliable than this one.
WOW...I think I made a big mistake! I live in Massachusetts and I bought the August Beauty Gardenias, I think I have a better chance of becoming Miss America than I do of seeing the beautiful, lush garden I dreamed of...Does anyone have any ideas? Could I tuck them in so they stay snug in the cold winter? Would it be best to plant them in a container and roll it into the cellar in the fall? Should I just take the money I spent on them and plant that in the garden instead? I am a lousy gardener. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by marysunshine3864; 05-17-2009 at 07:07 PM..
Reason: typing error
I don't know about that particular variety, but the usual ones here in south georgia like to be in the shade. The heat and all that sun wilts them. I think they also like slightly acid soil.
Yes, at least partial shade, acidic soils, and lots of water combined with good drainage. . . If you have the right spot, the right soil, the right climate, Gardenia's are a joy. . . most of us (in the U.S.) do not. . . .
WOW...I think I made a big mistake! I live in Massachusetts and I bought the August Beauty Gardenias, I think I have a better chance of becoming Miss America than I do of seeing the beautiful, lush garden I dreamed of...Does anyone have any ideas? Could I tuck them in so they stay snug in the cold winter? Would it be best to plant them in a container and roll it into the cellar in the fall? Should I just take the money I spent on them and plant that in the garden instead? I am a lousy gardener. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
As far as I know, Gardenias are only hardy to zone 7a. Some people try to over winter them in cellars and living rooms and near bright patio doors. You could give it a try. Given your location, I would suggest lilacs instead of gardenias.
To Rami.... I got to thinking about what you said about "buds drooping." I looked at mine, and the buds are also drooping in spots. I think it's because those buds are heavy, and there may be two or more on that end of the branch. All the new growth is tender and weak at this point. It can't hold the heavy buds up. That's typical of the gardenia.
I think that once this years blooming season is over and the growth hardens up, you may be able to have a strong healthy plant. Give it some more time. It may even do ok in the full sun.
Thanks! I bought white lillacs, they are beautiful and from what I understand pretty hardy!!
Very. They love cold weather and it makes them bloom. Make sure you keep it well watered this summer and even into the winter if there's not much rain/snow. Next spring, you should be rewarded nicely, about the same time our gardenias are blooming in the south.
Very. They love cold weather and it makes them bloom. Make sure you keep it well watered this summer and even into the winter if there's not much rain/snow. Next spring, you should be rewarded nicely, about the same time our gardenias are blooming in the south.
In northern CT my favorite non (Species) lilac for fragrance, smaller size and non-succering is Miss Kim, followed by the smaller Korean variety, Paliban. They bloom in succession, spreading out the lilac season. Easy care in sun, mostly sun, average soil and water.
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