Q.Chuck Hayes Gardenia Bush
I just purchsed a gardenia bush and I am not sure how to care for through the winter months. Also, can I use Miracle Grow to fertilize with? Any information will be helpful.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Depending on its size, you may want to lightly trim it prior to overwintering it indoors. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-plant.htm
As long as you live in a zone where gardenias will survive the winter, they actually do better. Outdoors, as long as temps do not go below 20F, you do not need to cover them. If it is going to go below 20 F, then you should cover with a sheet, not plastic. Here is more info on protecting plants from the cold:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/frost-how-to-protect-your-plants.htm