How to Grow Miniature Gardenias

Find a planting spot for the miniature gardenias in full to partial sun with rich, well-drained soil. Plant them near an area where you can enjoy their fragrant blooms, such as by a window, pathway or outdoor living area.

Incorporate 3 inches of organic matter, including compost, leaf mold and aged manure, to enrich the soil in the planting bed. Cultivate this into the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches.

Dig wide holes to allow room for the roots to spread out, but plant miniature gardenias at the same depth in the ground that they grew in the containers. Space the plants 2 feet apart when planting several in the same area.

Water newly planted miniature gardenias well to settle them in place. Water the plants weekly throughout the growing season of the first year to establish a widespread root system. Supply water as needed after that to prevent the soil from drying out.

Add a layer 2 to 4 inches thick of organic mulch, such as wood chips or leaf mold, around the base of each miniature gardenia. Keep the mulch at least 3 inches away from the plant’s stem to avoid rot. Every year in the spring, add additional mulch as needed to maintain the same thickness.

Apply an acid fertilizer, as instructed on the packaging, after growth begins the first season. Reapply monthly until August for the first year, and then apply from March to August in the following seasons.

Prune the miniature gardenia bushes during summer after flowering. Trim the plants only as needed for maintaining the shape or to remove damaged branches.