Expert: Tom Alonzo - 10/1/2009

Question
I live in southeastern North Carolina and planted a gardenia bush around the middle of summer and am wondering if I need to cut it back before the winter temperatures arrive.  The bush has had issues with yellow leaves but is now blooming since the weather is averaging 75 degrees during the day and 50-60 degrees at night.

Answer
Hi Tamara,
Thanx for your question.  When your gardenia has finished blooming you may prune it if you must.  Only prune gardenias immediately after they have finished blooming.  Blooming buds will appear on both old and new wood shortly after the blooming cycle has been completed.  There is some question as to the true hardiness of gardenias in Zone 7.  North Carolina winters that are not alpine are not particularly sever so all I would suggest is a good 4-6 inches of pine needle or cypress bark mulch around the plant.  If you are going to experience temperatures below zero for more than a day or two, cover the shrub with burlap until the cold snap ends.  The soil must be free draining but moist and the shrub will require a good soaking once a week if you don't have consistent rainfall.  In the spring side dress the shrub with plenty of well composted manure and an acidic fertilizer.  I hopet his helps.
Tom