Like most of you, Grumpy loves Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides). If there is a plant on Earth with a stronger, sweeter smelling flower, I have yet to smell it. There are lots of places to plant a Gardenia, but the worst place is right in front of your house.
The flowers turn yellow or brown as they fade. They are not pretty to look at and are not something you want to plant in a prominent location in front of your house. I'm sure many of you already have gardenias planted in front of your house, but don't be shy. You can always move the plant to a better location in the fall. So, if gardenias don't look great in front of your house, where should you plant these sweetly fragrant shrubs? Here's what you need to know about how to plant gardenias.
Gardenia flower
Gardenia bushes, which grow 3 to 8 feet tall, usually produce their main blooms over a period of several weeks in late spring and early summer. The blossoms open alabaster white, like a perfectly shaped corsage. They don't stay white for long, though; after a week or so, the oldest flowers turn yellow, then brown, and remain on the shrub until new blooms appear.
Is your gardenia half alive or half dead? Don't worry about the brown flowers, just enjoy the blooms and fragrance from other parts of the garden.
Where to Plant Gardenias
You could pluck off the flowers as soon as they start to wither, but who wants to do that? Choose a spot to plant your gardenia where you don't have to: a backyard, side yard, or patio. Small gardenias do well in the ground as borders, provided they're not crowded or competing with other plants for nutrients. Plant them in raised beds or containers around the perimeter of a patio, deck, or porch (but not at the front). That way you can enjoy the fragrance for weeks without worrying that your neighbors think you're not proud of your garden.
Gardenias that are already in the ground don't like to be disturbed, so if you're transplanting a potted gardenia or planting a new one, choose a location with plenty of light, water, and soil. They don't do well indoors and will attract pests like whiteflies, mealybugs, and mites.
Gardenia Care 101
Gardenias have a strong scent, so planting them in a container that you can easily move near a porch or away from the house will make this transition easier. Do not move your gardenia if you planted it in the ground. Here's how to care for your gardenia:
Soil: Plant gardenias in moist, acidic soil that is rich in humus and well-drained. Supplementing the soil with organic compost or bark helps keep the soil stable. Whether planted in the ground or in a container, gardenia roots do not tolerate competition well, so keep them away from other plants. Sun: Depending on your region, gardenias need full sun, but in areas with hot summers they can tolerate afternoon shade. Overall, gardenias like heat and humidity. Water: Do not allow gardenias to dry out completely before watering, and ensure that at least an inch of water reaches the plant each week through rain or regular watering. Mulching helps protect gardenias from waterlogged roots and weeds, or plants that compete for nutrients.
Gardenia Alternatives
So what should you plant in front of your house? Classic shrubs like hydrangeas, knockout roses, camellias and encore azaleas add beauty with their lush blooms. For white flowers, consider meadowsweet, peonies, star jasmine and viburnum.
FAQ
What should I plant with gardenias?
Flowers such as lavender, lantana, dahlias, begonias, impatiens, and salvias create a beautiful contrast with the dark green of gardenia leaves. Azaleas and camellias, like gardenias, prefer morning sun and afternoon shade.
What should not be planted with gardenias?
Avoid other strongly scented plants blooming at the same time as gardenias, as the scents may compete and be too strong.
How long do gardenias live?
With proper care and a suitable location, gardenias can live for 15 years or more. Make sure they get full morning sun and well-drained soil, and prune away any dead or damaged branches.