Will My Gardenia Bush Bloom Again.

Question

I planted it about 30 yrs ago and it bloom every yr but it had gotten so big and out of control that I cut down to about 2 ft. It doesn’t seem to be sprouting any greenery. It also has some white on the big limbs. Will it ever bloom again and what would I need to do to get healthy again.

Answer 1

Cutting too much of the plant at one time could stress your plant, causing it to not set as many flower buds and even drop its leaves. Pruning in the middle of hot Texas temperatures from June-September, when daily temperatures can hit 100+, may cause shock. The plant may restart growth once environmental conditions improve in October or may even wait until spring 2024. Do not fertilize it now but maintain the soil mulched with 3-4” of organic mulch past where the drip line used to be, as roots will extend that far. Maintain the soil evenly moist during the summer, not letting it get bone dry nor soggy wet.