How can I increase foliage on gardenia shrub

Question

Recently moved and found old gardenia. It is blooming well and after watering, many more blooms and new growth have appeared. But foliage is thin, lots of bare wood. Any way to fix this? It has not been cared for at all.

Answer 1

It sounds like the shrub is in some need of major pruning. Each year, you can prune up to 1/3 of the plant, but no more than that. However, in order to prune without hurting blooming, you should wait until after the plant's blooms have faded, which should be in the summer. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/when-to-prune-a-gardenia.htm