Gardenias can be cultivated in beds or indoors, depending on the variety. But you have to pay attention to a few things to ensure that they get through the winter well.
Since the gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) is kept as a houseplant in our latitudes, there is no need to say that our climate is not really made for the tropical plant and that most gardenia species would not consider spending the winter outdoors.
The gardenia is an evergreen plant, which does not take a long winter break and withdraws completely into the ground or the like. Therefore, the plants continue to be cultivated even in the cold season. However, the gardenia does not want to spend the winter months in the warm living room under the permanent influence of dry heating air. The plants at the kitchen window are better off. There is more frequent airing and the cooking vapor creates a welcome warm and humid climate for the tropical plant.
» Water or fertilize gardenias in winter?
As an evergreen plant, the gardenia needs regular watering, even in winter. However, these can be lower than during the growth phase and flowering period. The soil is also allowed to dry out a little before the next watering takes place. The plant is not fertilized during the winter months or only sporadically.
» Are there also hardy gardenias?
There are very few hardy plants among the approximately 250 species of gardenia. One of these breeds is the Gardenia Augusta “Crown Jewel”. A gardenia for the bed has been found. Whether and how the plant survives the winter also depends on the respective location and the weather conditions in the cold season. However, it is advisable to provide winter protection, choose a sheltered location and cover the ground area with leaves or brushwood so that the frost does not penetrate to the roots and the liquid stays in the ground longer. Since the soil must not dry out completely, small amounts of water should be given on frost-free days.
» What temperatures should prevail in the winter quarters?
Here a fairly large tolerance range becomes clear. Older plants can also be cultivated at the flower window all year round. Provide even conditions, waterthe plant as usual and spray more frequently, the plants can usually make friends with it.
Gardenias need a bright winter quarters without drafts and temperature changes. Under no circumstances should the values fall below freezing. At temperatures not below five degrees, the plants can be accommodated in the conservatory or in the stairwell. Protect gardenias from the winter sun.
» Winter is coming to an end - what to do?
When winter comes to an end, it's time for the annual pruning. Flowering should not have started at this point. Is cut back except for an outwardly inclined eye. This avoids uneven growth and preserves a bushy and compact appearance of the plant. So-called “sleeping eyes” often slumber under the bark below the interfaces. Pruning can stimulate their budding.
» Pros and cons of pruning
| Advantages | Cons |
| » Regular pruning promotes a compact and bushy growth habit. » Pruning is a good opportunity to examine the plant more closely and to remove old and dead plant parts. » When pruning, one also becomes aware of discoloration or deformation of the leaves and can react quickly and remove parts of the plant that have been attacked by fungi or pests. » A pruning has a rejuvenating effect and strengthens the growth of the plant. | » When pruning, large parts of the plant are first removed, which can be visually alarming at the moment. » If a sharp and germ-free knife is not used, there is a risk of germs penetrating the plant. » If you don't learn how to do this beforehand, you can accidentally cut back too much and make it difficult or impossible for flower buds to develop. |
➔ Tip: The thermometer should not fall below 15 degrees if you want to stimulate flowering.
» Avoid maintenance mistakes in winter quarters
Although gardenias can be overwintered quite easily, don't forget to defend their claims here either. Will on theDisregarding plant habits, diseases and pests can easily invade and cause even more damage to an already weakened plant.
» The following measures must be observed in winter quarters:
- The evergreen plant is can also be watered in winter. Here it is once again necessary to demonstrate sensitivity. There is less watering in winter and the soil is allowed to dry out well. However, the soil must not dry out, just as it must not become waterlogged.
- Temperature fluctuations don't like gardenias. The temperature in the winter quarters should be evenly high. There is a fairly large tolerance range. Some indoor plants also spend the winter on the windowsill. Other gardenias overwinter in the stairwell or conservatory - at temperatures in the single digits.
- The nutrient requirement is lower in winter. However, since the plant does not explicitly hibernate during the winter, it can also be sporadically supplied with weak fertilizers in winter. However, this is not a must and also depends on the nature of the substrate. Anyone who has enriched the potting soil with compost can stop fertilizing in winter. The plants are then supplied with long-term fertilizer until spring.