Expert: Edward Gulliksen - 7/28/2007

Question
Dear Ed,

I have two wonderful Gardenia Trees in my back yard.  They are Gardenia 'Veitchi' that I have had three years.  They are in very large pots on a drip system and get a bumper crop of blooms every year.
My question is in the spring I get large amounts of blooms and then as the spring goes into summer and fall many of the blooms become deformed.  I mean really deformed, they look really twisted and unusual.  I am pretty sure I only get this issue in the summer and fall and never in our winter or spring.  I live in San Diego and I know I have thrips in the yard.  I use systemic pesticides, but I dont think I can completey get rid of the thrips in my warm climate.  The plants are on a drip system and get watered daily.  I have very few yellow leaves, and I fertilize once a month with fertilizer specifically for Acic loving plants.
The blooms sometime open, but really look raged.  I apprecaite any help you can offer.

Thanks in advance.

Bob

Answer
Bob,

Thrips would explain the deformities in the flower buds. You will need to spray the plants with a specialized insecticide aimed at the thrips. Your local garden center should carry it. Follow all label directions for the mixing and applying of the materials.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen