Gardenia

Question

I have six gardenia standards I bring in for the winter. One is adjusting to the transition with some yellow leaves but at the base of all the buds, including buds that had bloomed as well as others that were in bud, is a very bright orange and is soft. Any thoughts on what it is and what to do? I cut all of the orange ones off the plant. Thank you for your help!

Answer 1

It sounds like a fungus, likely a rust fungus. Removing the affected buds will help, then treat the plant with a fungicide. This should clear it up.