How To Grow Gardenias In Texas

Named after a South Carolina colonial physician, gardenias are in the Rubiaceae family and are native to China and Japan. Gardenias are a popular landscaping plant in the south, and make a wonderful addition to any Texas garden. If they are planted in full sun, gardenias can grow up to 6 feet. Gardenias prefer temperatures between 68 and 74 degrees F, and they enjoy high humidity areas, but dry climates can support gardenias if the plants are regularly watered.

Step 1

Dig a hole that is the depth of the root ball and twice as wide.

Step 2

Place the plant in the hole, but keep the crown a little above the top of the hole.

Step 3

Add half of the soil back into the hole and push the soil around the plant and into the ground, to eliminate air pockets.

Step 4

Water the hole very well and let the water drain completely away from the hole.

Step 5

Fill the rest of the hole with the remaining soil and tamp it down to eliminate air holes.

Step 6

Water the plant thoroughly.

Step 7

Water gardenias once per week. At least 1 inch of water is required each week.

Step 8

Add 2 to 4 inches of mulch to keep the soil moist, but keep the mulch away from the stem of the plant.

Step 9

Fertilize gardenias once per month during the spring and summer and once in February and September.

Step 10

Prune gardenias after they are done flowering, but before October.