Gardenia With Lots Of Old Wood And New Growth At The Very Ends Only.

Question

My gardenias are very old – probably 12 – 15 years old. I’m not sure how to describe it but there is so much tall leggy brown wood with very little new growth until you reach the ends. It blooms like crazy but it’s ugly from where the new growth begins to the ground. Is there any method to trim it so there is more new grown closer to the ground? One was too close to my house so I cut the back side of it and that part never grew back so I’m afraid to cut the other ones I have. Sorry this is so long and so poorly described. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

When you cut a branch, it will never grow back. It will be replaced with another in another location, however.

Hard pruning can be done to restore an old Gardenia, but fertilization may be required, as well.

Here are two articles that will help you:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/when-to-prune-a-gardenia.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-plant.htm