Gardenias are the perfect addition to any garden or landscape. They have become very popular in recent years due to how easy they are to take care of and their stunning appearance. Gardenias are not just restricted to a few varieties, there are over 200 varieties of this plant known as Gardenia augusta. Without a doubt, some plants prefer full sun to others and in this article, we will look at gardenias and their temperament in regards to sun and shade.
Do Gardenias like full sun?
Many gardenias will thrive in full sun. In general, gardenias like to thrive in locations with full to partial sun exposure. Unfortunately, not all gardenias perform the same way a little bit of shade does work. There is no doubt that many gardenias will not tolerate a harsh cold winter and may not survive if expected growth was interrupted.
Gardenias will not tolerate cold winters, especially in unheated greenhouses and they can be sensitive to extreme heat. If the gardenia is growing outside, it will be exposed to alternating periods of intense sunlight and decrease sunlight. The best thing to do is avoid full sun exposure around the same times of day all year round or during the winter months.
Can Gardenias get too much sun?
Some gardenias can tolerate full sun. Although not all gardenias will like having a variety of light levels, some can handle being exposed to the direct full sun. Gardenias like sunshine and can take up to the full sun, but make sure to avoid over-exposure as this could lead to heat issues.
Full sunlight is not always required for your gardenia. Light shade is necessary to ensure the proper growing conditions. There are some gardenia varieties that can handle full sun, while others will scorch and wither away in the summer.
How many hours of the sun do Gardenias need?
Most gardenias prefer at least four hours of sun daily. Gardenias are delicate plants and require a lot of sunlight to survive. Gardenias will not bloom as much if they don’t get enough light exposure. If you notice your gardenia is not blooming, consider moving it to a more sunny location to see if this will help.
Why are gardenias so hard to grow?
Gardenias are tough plants, but they can have a lot of trouble with overwatering and over-fertilizing. Gardenias tend to be susceptible to rot in the soil if they receive too much water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, aphids, and fungus, which will kill the plant. Gardenias do not like their roots buried in wet soil and should not be left in standing water for an extended period of time. They will also die if you fertilize them with excessive levels of nitrogen, especially during their growing season.
How do you keep Gardenias blooming?
1. Feed Nutrients to the Plants:
Gardenias can be susceptible to over-feeding. Too much nitrogen in the soil can cause leaves to discolor and there is a chance that the plant will die. By alternating between low amounts of a balanced fertilizer that builds your soil like Miracle Grow with high nitrogen feedings, you will help build up the nutrients that your gardenia needs without overfeeding it.
2. Move it to a Different Location:
Make sure your gardenia is getting plenty of water and light exposure where it is currently planted. If it continues to not bloom, you can move your gardenia to a different location with more sunlight or a different area that receives at least 4 hours of sun daily.
3. Water the plants when necessary:
Watering gardenias will keep the plants healthy and prevent fungus, mold, and disease from growing. Read up on how to handle overwatering in order to improve your gardenias’ health.
4. Provide moisture:
Gardenia plants need moisture to survive. This plant cannot be kept in a very dry area or it will not survive. Make sure your gardenia is getting enough water, especially during dry months.
Conclusion:
In summary, gardenias can easily be grown in almost any environment with the right attention and care. For many people that are looking for a new type of plant to add to their home or office, gardenias may be the perfect fit. They are easy to grow, care for and will add a beautiful fragrance to any room or area.