Winterizing Gardenia Bush

Question

I purchased a gardenia bush in May and it bloomed profusely all summer. It is still nice and green. Can it survive a NE Ohio winter?

Answer 1

Most gardenias cannot survive outside in areas that drop below 15 degrees F in the winter. If you live in an area that gets colder than this in the winter, you will need to bring the plant indoors.

If it's in the ground, dig it up with the rootball being as wide as the widest part of the canopy. I would trim back the plant at this time too, to help it adjust to a smaller root system. Then acclimate it for bringing in the house. Container plants should be acclimated as well. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/using-pesticides-and-other-chemicals-on-your-houseplants.htm