gardenias
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Gardenias: How to Grow Fragrant, Flowering Gardenias in Australian Gardens & Pots
Gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides) are iconic evergreen shrubs known for their lush, glossy leaves and beautifully fragrant white blooms. Native to tropical and subtropical Asia, they thrive in Australia’s temperate to warm climates with the right care. This guide covers how to grow gardenias successfully in the ground or pots, how to prune and maintain them, and which CompleteGrow fertilisers produce the best flowering results.
Gardenia Growth Habits & Care Requirements
Gardenias can be grown as standalone shrubs, hedges, or container plants. They’re prized for their intense fragrance, especially in the evening, and flower prolifically through late spring to early summer.
- Height & Spread: Most varieties grow 1–2 m tall with a rounded habit
- Light: Full sun to part shade (morning sun preferred; protect from harsh afternoon rays)
- Soil: Slightly acidic (pH 5.0–6.5), free-draining and nutrient-rich
- Water: Regular moisture — gardenias dislike drying out but hate waterlogging
- Climate: Best suited to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions
Common Gardenia Problems:
- Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) from poor drainage or iron/magnesium deficiency
- No flowering due to excess nitrogen or poor pruning
- Buds dropping before blooming due to temperature swings or moisture stress


Gardenias in Pots: Container Growing & Soil Setup
Growing gardenias in pots is ideal for controlling soil pH and drainage — and it lets you move plants to sunnier or more sheltered spots throughout the year.Potting Guidelines:
- Use a wide, deep pot (35+ cm) with drainage holes
- Fill with acidic potting mix or a blend of premium potting mix with added perlite
- Top-dress with bark or coconut fibre to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Keep pot raised to ensure proper air flow and drainage beneath
Soil Fertilisation Tip:
To prepare the soil before planting or repotting, water in with a half-strength mix of our all-purpose balanced fertiliser:- CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 Liquid Fertiliser – Ensures initial nutrient availability and root stimulation for transplant success


Best Fertiliser for Gardenias: Flowering, Leaf Health & Soil Nutrition
Gardenias require consistent feeding with a formula rich in magnesium, iron, and potassium to promote flowering and prevent common issues like yellowing leaves (chlorosis). Balanced nutrition supports bud development and deep green foliage, while excess nitrogen can delay or reduce blooming. Fertilisers for gardenias should focus on:- Low to moderate nitrogen: Prevents excessive foliage at the expense of flowers
- High potassium: Encourages strong blooming and flower longevity
- Calcium and magnesium: Essential for healthy foliage and chlorophyll production
Fertilising Schedule for Gardenias:
- Early Spring: Use a balanced fertiliser to stimulate new growth and bud formation
- Mid-Spring to Summer: Switch to a flowering blend with higher potassium and micronutrients
- Late Summer: Apply a final light feeding to strengthen plant structure before autumn
Pruning and Maintenance Tips:
- Lightly prune after flowering to shape the shrub and encourage branching
- Remove yellow or dead leaves regularly to keep air flowing and reduce fungal issues
- Avoid hard pruning into old wood—gardenias may not regrow well from bare stems
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