Cutting Dead Limbs Off Gardenia

Question

Could I trim my gardenia bushes in March? There are some dead stems/leaves on them. If I trim now, would it make the bushes not bloom this summer? I live in the Piedmont of NC. Thanks so much for your help.

Answer 1

You can prune it now, but you will lose some of the blossoms that would have grown this year on the growth you cut off. In order to prune without hurting blooming, you should wait until after the plant's blooms have faded, which should be in the summer. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/when-to-prune-a-gardenia.htm