EasyBloom Forum

An EasyBloomer recently asked a question that I definitely deemed as worthy of replying to on the forums. The question was about why the buds on their Gardenia kept dropping right before they would open. This is a fairly common problem. (Confession: I too have had this problem with the Gardenia that is sitting on my porch). The EasyBloomer who was having this problem also mentioned that besides the premature dropping of the flower buds, the Gardenia looked great. This, unfortunately, is a fairly common problem with Gardenias. Gardenias are very temperamental, and premature bud drop can be caused by several environmental stimuli. Probably the most common cause for this problem is low humidity. Gardenias truly thrive in moderately warm temperatures where the humidity is also relatively high. This is why Gardenias flourish in Southern gardens where it doesn't get too cold. There are other reasons why the buds may have dropped. Large temperature swings can cause the buds to drop. Under- or overwatering can cause the problem. Poor lighting, cold drafts or even physical distress can cause bud drop. Physical distress can occur by simply moving a potted Gardenia to a different position. If you have a heat wave or a cold snap, the buds can also drop.

Even though one of the primary causes of premature bud drop is low humidity, I would not advise misting the foliage of the Gardenia. Gardenias are susceptible to fungal leaf spots and will have a higher chance of disease if their leaves are constantly wet. There is little more that you can do other than keeping the soil for the Gardenia and all around the plant evenly moist to create a microclimate of higher humidity than you would otherwise have.

You may also want to check the light conditions for the plant. Gardenias can take a good amount of light, BUT (that was capitalized for a reason) not if all that sunlight makes the Gardenia too hot. If the Gardenia is not getting enough light, it will also very likely drop its buds. Gardenias are amongst the most temperamental of plants. I too have fallen victim of premature bud drop even though I know the environmental conditions that cause it, so it can happen to anyone. I hope this was helpful. Happy Gardening!!! --Robby

mine love muracid! i also use a bloom boost. i live in s. florida 10b. its hot and humid but they still require lots of attention even down here. high sun, lots of well drained water, muracid, cypress mulch, bloom boost, and ortho systemic insect killer. i must admit i stopped using insecticides a long time ago, but the gardenia is the one plant i still use a pesticide on. but... becuase its systemic it is only applied to the roots. so it doesnt hurt the lady bugs! that ortho systemic does wonders at keeping the scale/bugs off the gardenias.

Hey Bill...That's really good to know about the Ortho systemic. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California (zone 8b), which is just inside the lower zone limit for Gardenias. The one bummer about Gardenias and where I live is the lack of humidity. Of course the joy I receive when my little potted Gardenia flowers overpowers the labor I put into keeping that little plant thriving. Thanks for the input. I'm always interested in learning about other people's gardening techniques both locally and throughout the country. Cheers, Robby