Named after a South Carolina colonial physician, gardenias are in the Rubiaceae family and are native to China and Japan. Gardenias are a popular landscaping plant in the south, and make a wonderful addition to any Texas garden. If they are planted in full sun, gardenias can grow up to 6 feet. Gardenias prefer temperatures between 68 and 74 degrees F, and they enjoy high humidity areas, but dry climates can support gardenias if the plants are regularly watered.
Step 1
Dig a hole that is the depth of the root ball and twice as wide.
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Step 2
Place the plant in the hole, but keep the crown a little above the top of the hole.
Step 3
Add half of the soil back into the hole and push the soil around the plant and into the ground, to eliminate air pockets.
Step 4
Water the hole very well and let the water drain completely away from the hole.
Step 5
Fill the rest of the hole with the remaining soil and tamp it down to eliminate air holes.
Step 6
Water the plant thoroughly.
Step 7
Water gardenias once per week. At least 1 inch of water is required each week.
Step 8
Add 2 to 4 inches of mulch to keep the soil moist, but keep the mulch away from the stem of the plant.
Step 9
Fertilize gardenias once per month during the spring and summer and once in February and September.
Step 10
Prune gardenias after they are done flowering, but before October.