Gardenia Buds Don’t Bloom or Fall Off

Question

I have a gardenia tree that I have kept in my sunroom. It has started to bud out but they turn dark at the base and never bloom. I pulled off a couple and they are dry and brittle but they don’t actually fall off. It is in a large container. I haven’t fertilized over the winter but I have kept it watered and use a spray water bottle to provide moisture. What should I do so the blooms come out?

Answer 1

It is possible that you have thrips. They are hard to see and they cause damage to the buds like that. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-thrips.htm

This article will help if you feel it is not thrips:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-flowers-gardenia-buds-falling-off-plant.htm

While your buds are not technically falling off, the causes for falling off would also be for buds drying out that was not caused by pests.