What has happened to my gardenia bushes?

Question

I purchased two gardenia bushes with trepidation. They are so beautiful,, but I was afraid they would not survive with the western exposure during summer. They took to the soil well in May. They were planted with success. Once the blooms began to fade, I deadheaded them, and the bush remained healthy until the first week of August, which in Texas is very hot. The bushes dropped their leaves despite daily watering, and within a week they were leafless branches. They are still in the ground with strong roots. Will they come back in spring? Or are they dead as dead can be?

Answer 1

This article will help you determine if they are still alive:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm

In the future, make sure you water deeply, rather than daily. You actually might be better off watering every few days for 10-20 minutes, then just a few minutes every day. Longer watering will help the water get deeper into the soil and to more roots, resulting in a healthier and more durable plant.