Can I Cover My Gardenia Tree In Winter To Protect It Of Snow

Question

This past summer I just planted 2 gardenia trees and I’m worry about the weather – Indianapolis, Indiana

Answer 1

Gardenias should be considered as annuals when planted outside in zone 5. To overwinter one, I would grow it in containers and move it to a heated greenhouse. I have not tried to keep it inside my home; probably keep it 1 foot away from a south-facing window and perhaps with additional lighting as it will drop considerable amounts of foliage if it gets too much shade in the dry winter interior of homes. Most cultivars are only winter hardy to zone 8, with a small number able to handle colder winter conditions. A tree form (standard) gardenia might suffer from severe damage to the main trunk when ice crystals form and it has not sufficiently hardened for a z5 winter. See these links:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-winter-care-tips.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/growing-gardenias-indoors.htm

Luis