Our gardenia is covered with big black beetles. They have a smell similar to the gardenia but its offensive because it smells so strong. They come once a year. Will they damage the Bush and what are they? In the past I have removed them by hand but this year there are too many of them.
It sounds like this is Thrips. Thrips can overwinter in the plant debris so keep the area clean.
Neem Oil can be used to treat your plant.
Here are some links with more infomation.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-pests.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/natural-predator-for-thrips.htm
How do I get rid of these with out harming my plant?
If you suspect insect infestation there are many ways to deal with it. Neem oil, and rosemary oil are both very good means to keep pests away. This link leads to a collection of articles that will give you many more options on how to control pests, naturally: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/
I have just planted my gardenia outside in a sunny area and am wondering what I need to do with it when the temps drop down in the 40s or lower. I live in central Mississippi. Thanks! Debra
It will, usually, survive this. It may sustain some damage, but it should still remain alive. If you are still concerned, then you can put a cloth over them some some of the colder nights. Here is an article for more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-winter-care-tips.htm
A once healthy gardenia is now dropping all its leaves.
This is most likely a plant nutrient deficiency. The yellowing leaf symptoms look a lot like a magnesium deficiency. These articles will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/fixing-magnesium-deficiency.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/epsom-salt-gardening.htm
What time of year (HOuston, TX) should I prune large gardenia plants? Plants are located in open atrium and have not been pruned for 1-2 years. Now they are about 7 feet tall. The current blooms are very small. The blooms have been larger in the past. What actions do you recommend to get the blooms back to the original larger size? Additionally, what brand/strength Fertilizer do you recommend?
These are best pruned after the blooms fade in summer. This article will give you more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/when-to-prune-a-gardenia.htm
Help: We live in Englewood, NJ but go to Florida for the winter while our gardenia tree must stay up north. We have someone to care for the plant in our absence but need a plant lamp. The question is what kind and which one? Thank you.
The good news is that you will not need something powerful. You can use a t5 fluorescent fixture, as long as it has horticultural grade bulbs. You can mix "blue" spectrum and "red" spectrum for the best results.
I brought my gardenia in about six weeks ago. It looks sicker every day, dropping leaves that are browning. I don't know if it's a fungus or insects or just not caring for it correctly. I will send some pics. Any advice would be appreciated. I recently isolated it. I'd like to save it, but not sure if it's still possible. Lisa Casperson, lisa@lisacasperson.com
This seems like damage from cooler weather, but I can't be perfectly sure. I have two articles that will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-winter-care-tips.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-plant.htm