Hello I have two gardenia plants that I have on my balcony. they bloomed nicely until I think I started overwatering them. one of them has recovered but the other has started to have an abundance of yellow leaves. I have fertilized with miracid a couple of times and have cut back on the watering. it has been about 5 months since they were potted. Any ideas or suggestions? Additionally, I have some form of bug thats eating the leaves, nothing visual on the plants but I suspect it is something that flies around and feasts on the leaves. Any insights much appreciated.
That is definitely overwatering damage. This usually leads to fungal infections, which you are seeing as browning and the holes. This causes what can look like nutrient deficiencies.
I would recommend treating with a fungicide. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
As far as you flowering issue goes... This can have many causes. Gardenias are pretty specific on their condition requirements.
These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/no-flowers-on-gardenia.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-plant.htm
My bush has not done well for several years and I was hoping to give it a new start.
I wouldn't cut it back, completely! I would only remove 1/3 of the plant at a time. This article will give you more information on when, and how to prune them properly: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/when-to-prune-a-gardenia.htm
The end of the flower bud is so soft when it falls. Not all leaves are brown, most of them are normal looking, and some new growing leaves turn brown when they are still too small.
Poor soil drainage can cause brown leaf spots. Also low humidity, high pH level (gardenias prefer acidic soil) and/or insufficient light.
Here is information about bud drop:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-flowers-gardenia-buds-falling-off-plant.htm
I seek your expert advice in growing Gardenia plants, from seeds, indoors.
This article gives all the propagation methods:
My gardenia is dying I already lost two plants from the four. The roots, the stems, the leaves are all becoming weak
Your plants may have root rot. You may be able to save them by replanting in fresh soil and cutting off any mushy material. Reduce the amount of watering in the future. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/common-gardenia-diseases.htm
The picture and this comment are here because the site keeps asking for more information so I made sure there was something in each box.
As long as it is not setting next year's flower buds right now, and you have caught it before, then it is ok to prune now.
If, you notice new bud growth, then it will be too late and pruning will inhibit flowering next year.
this article will offer more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/when-to-prune-a-gardenia.htm
I am a novice gardener. I have a gardenia plant hat was sent to me thru a florist last year for mothers day. I kept it indoors last summer and thru the winter (about 10in high) This spring I transplanted it into a large outdoor container (24" by 18"deep) and it did great outside this summer. We can get some pretty bad winters here and I want to know if it will survive outside, or do i have to bring that big container indoors for winter? I live in PA. I also have same question and situation with a Hydrangea ?
You are right to be concerned about the gardenia survival outdoors during winter. You are in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a. Even the "cold-hardy" varieties of gardenia will be frost sensitive there. So bringing it indoors to a sunny window exposure will be the safest way.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-winter-care-tips.htm
The same goes for the hydrangea, depending on the variety.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/winterizing-hydrangea-plants.htm