Gardenias are a fickle plant, but can be grown both indoors and outdoors in several weather climates. Though they are low maintenance once they've grown, getting them to grow successfully in both indoor and outdoor conditions can be difficult. Picking a gardenia variety may be the most important first step. Your garden center will be able to give you the correct gardenia for your outdoor or indoor environment.

Growing Gardenias

Regardless of where you plant, make sure the gardenias are in a mixture of peat and compost for the best nutrient-rich and proper pH soil. The soil should be acidic, with a pH between 5 and 6. Keep inside flowers out of direct sunlight, but in constant light. Direct sunlight will cause the flowers and leaves to wilt and will dry up all moisture before the plant can absorb it. Outside, cover the ground around gardenias with wood chips. This will keep out competing weeds and an over-abundance of water. When you plant the gardenia root ball, dig a hole to contain the ball, and place the ball inside. Fill the hole partly with soil and then even out with water to eliminate air holes. Both indoor and outdoor gardenias need the equivalent of 1 inch of rain water, but no more. Soil that is too wet can cause root rot and kill the gardenia plant. Wood chips will keep the sun from drying up the needed moisture in the soil that the gardenias use for obtaining nutrients. Promote a healthier outdoor gardenia by pruning the plant in its dormant state. This will be in the colder months. Shy away from pruning indoor plants if you require a smaller in-home plant. Pruning promotes excellent growth and your plant will grow a large amount if you prune during its dormant months.

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Planting Gardenias