Q.Gardenia Bush
I live in zone 6, WV, and planted two gardenia bushes last year. Never had one before, love them, but my question is about their leaves turning brown over winter. Is this normal? Have they died or will they come back later this spring? If dead, how should I have protected them? I bought them in NC and have never noticed any up here, maybe too cold in winter?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
You can cut the plants back this spring; however, you should be aware that the buds may have been damaged, so the likelihood of getting flowers this year is minimal. These articles will help you as well: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/tips-for-saving-cold-damaged-plants.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/when-to-prune-a-gardenia.htm For info on protecting plants from freezes/frosts, these articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/protect-plants-in-freeze.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/protecting-plants-winter.htm This article will tell you how to care for gardenia plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-plant.htm
