Re Camellia & Gardenia Dont Seem To Have Much Luck When Planting

Question

Hi have tried growing camellia and gardenia (which I love both) but never seem to grow. What sort of soil preparation etc. would maybe make them grow have put ericenous compost in soil but still does not seem to be very successful, any ideas

Answer 1

Well draining, well mulched, acidic soils that can remain moist but not soggy or dry are ideal. Morning sun also helps. Do not plant where shade trees or grass with shallow root systems will compete with the camellias/gardenia roots for nutrients and water. Plants in the sun may suffer scald on the leaves. Plants of Camellia sasanqua generally do better in the sun than those of C. japonica. Plant the root ball just slightly above the surrounding soil on top of a column of soil in the center of the planting hole to prevent settling. Mulch with straw or other organic matter around the plant. Water well after planting and soak once a week during dry weather. Gardenias have similar soil requirements. Constantly soggy soil can and often will cause root rot. They can be persnickety and extremely sensitive to all kinds of environmental factors such as being moved to a new planting location (for example: initially moved from the store to plant in your garden or if potted, moving the pot to another location, etc.), temperatures that are too low or too high, lack of water, too wet or getting too much water, insect infestations, etc… As a result, they tend to yellow out leaves or drop existing buds at a moment's notice just to tell you that something is bothering them.