Gardenia Buds Won’t Open

Question

My gardenia buds won’t open on their own. They feel crusty and must be helped to open. Why? What should I do?

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