Q.Helping To Save A Gardenia Bush
We transplanted our gardenia bush in early spring as opposed to late fall as was recommended (I did not see this until it was too late). I cut back the branches some to where the stems were still green to get rid of the dry and brittle branches. However, it has been almost a month nothing is coming out now as far as any green leaves. Is there anything in particular I can do to save this bush? Perhaps I didn’t cut it back far enough? I know of situations where after transplanting bushes can become dormant until the next season. That’s why I’m wondering if I should have cut it almost all the way back down close to the ground. Thanks for your help or any suggestions you can offer.

Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Unfortunately, death from transplanting out of season is all too common. You can test to see if there is any life left. Cut down until you reach green, living growth.
If there is none all the way down to the roots, then it will be best to start over with a fresh plant.
If there is still living growth, then the only way to bring it back will be proper care.
This article will help you with proper care of the bush:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-plant.htm

When you say to cut it down until you reach green living growth, since there is no greenery on it right now, I assume you are talking about the actual branches. They are, in fact, still green and the bush doesn't appear to be dead at this point other than the fact that there are no leaves. So, I will cut it down further and give it some proper fertilizer to see if that will help. I hate to give up on it because this was actually an extremely hardy bush. The only reason we transplanted it was that we were redoing the front yard adding border and mulch and this bush had grown way larger than expected. The other matching gardenia bush we lost from the freeze last year. Thanks so much for your help. I don't give up easily and This bush did very well for over 2 years without a lot of pampering. I think the soil is good for it here, as well as the amount of sun and shade. Thanks again for your help.