How to Care for Miniature Gardenias

Plant miniature gardenias in a bed with full to partial sun and rich, loamy soil with excellent drainage. Plant it so the base of the trunk is 1/8 to 1/4 inch above the surrounding soil. Leave at least 2 feet of space between the miniature gardenia and other plants.

Spread a 1-inch-thick layer of acidic mulch such as pine bark around the base of the miniature gardenia. Leave a gap of approximately 1 inch between the layer of mulch and the base of the plant.

Water the miniature gardenia each week to a depth of 2 inches. Keep the soil moderately moist but not soggy. Allow the top 1/2 to 1 inch to dry out slightly between waterings.

Feed the miniature gardenia with acidic, rose-formula fertilizer once every three weeks during the summer. Start feeding after the first blush of flowers. Apply the fertilizer as recommended on the label.

Prune the miniature gardenia after the last bloom in late summer. Remove thin, stunted or damaged branches, as well as spent blooms. Cut all at the base using floral snips.

Watch for signs of a magnesium deficiency such as yellow leaves with pronounced green veining. Correct the imbalance by applying 1 tbsp. of Epsom salt dissolved in 1 gallon of water. Pour the solution around the base of the plant. Prune and discard the yellow leaves.