Why Is My Gardenia Sickly?

Question

Hi, A couple of years ago I bought 3 gardenia plants online from a well-known seller. Despite following the planting advice two have died off and the 3rd, Gardenia “Pinwheel”, has grown but is looking sickly. It is planted in ericaceous soil and has had frequent doses of “Miracle Gro” and Sequestered Iron. Could you advise on how best to resurrect it please? Thank you, Kind Regards, Mark Haythorne

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Answer 1

It is, more than likely, a combination of using that particular fertilizer and overwatering. I notice that there is a little bit of water in that pan under the pot. Any amount of standing water means that the soil is too saturated.

The soil needs to be allowed to dry out thoroughly down to about 2 or 3 inches between getting wet again.

Here is an article that will help you with proper care of Gardenias:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-plant.htm