Damaged Gardenia Bush Pruning

Question

Due to a recent hail storm, followed by 80 degree weather, my mature 4′ gardenia bush is fried. How do I repair it? The bush is all brown, leaves and stalks appear to be dying. Should I prune back to the green in the branches? Do I add a boost of fertilizer? Thank you, Misha

Answer 1

You can prune away anything that is dead, but make sure it is dead and not just leafless. This article will help you determine which is what:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm

I would give it fertilizer at half strength and make sure the plant is well watered before fertilizing. It will be more susceptible right now to fertilizer burn due to the stress and doing these things will reduce the chance of that happening.