Q.Gardenia bush
I live in Virginia and bought two gardenia bushes this past summer. They were planted outdoors. I have been told that they need to be dug up and brought in over the winter. Is this true? Also, what do I need to do to ensure they will survive me digging them up and transplanting to a pot to be brought indoors?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Most gardenias cannot survive outside in areas that drop below 15 F in the winter. If you live in an area that gets colder than this in the winter, you will need to bring them in.
If you need to bring them in, dig them up from the ground with the rootball being as wide as the widest part of the canopy. I would trim back the plant at this time too, to help it adjust to a smaller root system. Then acclimate it before bringing in the house. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/acclimate-plants-indoors-winter.htm
