The gardenia is actually a classic indoor plant. However, under certain conditions, you can also cultivate them outdoors.
The gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) is much more than a buttonhole flower. It's not just romantics who get excited at the sight of the sweet-smelling blossoms, which appear to be made of wax, and the orange berries that follow the blossom dance in early summer.
In its homeland, the tropics, the gardenia can grow to a height of up to 1.5 metres. In our latitudes, the popular houseplant only grows about half as tall without losing any of its attractiveness.
» Find the right location
Over 250 gardenia species are known worldwide. In the tropics and subtropics, the plants mostly grow as shrubs, some species also as small trees. The climate in our latitudes does not make it possible to cultivate the tropical plant outdoors all year round. Therefore, the gardenia is of primary importance as a houseplant.
» Tip: The gardenia can spend the summer on the balcony or terrace. Slight temperature fluctuations between hot days and rather cool nights do not harm the plant, but correspond to the customs in the natural home of the plants and also stimulate the formation of flowers.
The gardenia needs a bright spot. Full sunlight should be avoided. An east or west window is preferable to a sunny south-facing window. Placed on the south window, there should be protection from the blazing midday sun. The outdoor location should be chosen accordingly during the summer months - bright, sheltered and partially shaded.
The gardenia should be limited to the months of July and August when outdoors. The plant does not like temperatures below 15 degrees and the gardenia then sheds its buds. The same happens at temperatures above 25 degrees. Constant temperatures between 20 and 24 degrees are ideal, slightly lower during flowering.
» Tip: As tropical plants, gardenias need high humidity and should be sprayed more frequently.
In short:
- light
- protected
- warm
- Penumbra
- high humidity
» Choosing the ideal substrate
A permeable substrate that is kept regularly moist is suitable for the gardenia. The plants do not tolerate waterlogging and therefore drainage made of gravel or clay granules should be worked into the bottom of the container. Calcareous soil is not tolerated either. It is therefore advisable not to water the plant with calcareous tap water but with rainwater.
Slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5 and 6 is the ideal substrate. Garden soil can be mixed with sand, compost or horn shavings.
In short:
- permeable
- lime-free
- moist
- slightly sour
» Planting gardenias - explained step by step
❶ Best planting time - spring or autumn
❷ Select planter
❸ Place broken potsherds on the bottom of the vessel
❹ Fill the substrate into the planter
❺ Soil with with warm water
❻ Place the plant in the middle of the plant pot
❼ Fill up the soil
❽ The root ball should be completely covered with soil
The planter should ensure good drainage for the irrigation water. The right size is also important. At least one to two centimeters should remain between the edge of the pot and the root ball so that the plant can expand and grow well. The gardenia should already be planted in moist soil. There should be about an inch of space between the edge of the planter and the top layer of soil. Then the plant can be watered better.
» Gardenias in summer quarters
The tropical plant can also spend the high summer outdoors in our latitudes. Since the period of time is quite short, only the planter should be placed outside. A sheltered and semi-shady location near walls or house walls is ideal.
If you still want to put the plant outdoors, first select a suitable location. The planting hole should be a lot larger and deeper than the root ball. The plant is used carefully to protect the roots. The root ball must be completely covered with soil. After planting, water the gardenia well.
» Tip: Bring the gardenia back into the room if the temperature falls below 15 degrees for a longer period of time.
Gardenia plants at a glance:
| Measure | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Select location | Gardenias like a bright spot, but not full sun. A flower window facing west or east is ideal. Ensure high humidity. The temperatures should have constant values around 20 to 24 degrees. Even in winter, the temperature must not fall below 15 degrees. |
| Soil condition | A permeable soil is particularly important. Gardenias do not tolerate waterlogging and lime. The substrate can be upgraded with compost and horn shavings. |
| Planting | The gardenia should get a sufficiently large planter. The root ball should be protected during planting. A drainage made of potsherds in the bottom of the vessel protects against waterlogging. |
Be careful with the flowers!
If you want to enjoy the attractive flowers, you should treat the gardenia with particular care during planting. Similar to jasmine, the buds are particularly delicate and can be discarded if the plant is under stress, has been watered incorrectly, or is struggling with the substrate.
» Tip: During flowering, the gardenia needs constant temperatures (room temperature) and a sheltered location.