Gardenia

Hi:

Just bought a Gardenia tree yesterday and all ready some of the leaves are turning yellow! Help!!!

Gardenias "complain" about change, even when it is from a poor environment to an ideal environment. They are a beautiful yet fussy plant. They thrive in environments that most azaleas love.

In the long run, they would like dappled sunlight 100% of the time; for example under the protection of a loose-leafed evergreen tree, under a lattice over a patio, 40% shade cloth, etc.

They do not like cold soggy roots for an extended period of time: the soil or pot must drain. They enjoy acidic soil.

Gardenia heaven is a thick layer of crushed oak leaf (from true oaks) or oak leaf mulch on the soil all around them.