Gardenias

Question

I live in a condo near Phoenix, with a north facing patio. I have a beautiful 3 year old gardenia in a large pot on a wheeled tray that I roll out in the sun in cooler months, and water twice a day in 100+ degree months. A December frost killed some of the foliage, so it looks diseased. How and when do I prune and maintain it? It produces many buds that bloom one at a time.

Answer 1

I am sorry to hear about your plant. I would wait until spring is fully here to cut back the plant. It will help protect the new growth, just in case another frost occurs. Be aware that any buds that may have been damaged will make flowering less productive this year. These articles will help you as well: 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