Gardenia Bush and Winter

Question

Can I leave my very large Gardenia bush outside near the house (heat) if I prune and cover w/burlap?

Answer 1

For plants in pots, they actually suffer conditions that are one zone lower than your current zone due to their exposed conditions. This would not work for a gardenia in NJ. You may be able to store the gardenia inside, in the basement or someplace like that with a bright flourecent light to get it through the winter. It won't thrive like this, but may survive until the spring when it can go back outside.