How to Dig and Replant a Gardenia Bush

A gardenia bush is an evergreen plant with fragrant white blooms and shiny, dark green leaves. Growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 to 10, a gardenia bush can grow in height ranging from 2 to 8 feet tall. If you need to dig up and replant your gardenia to another location in your yard, do so during late summer to early fall. Evergreen bushes can be subjected to winter browning if replanted in late fall.

Soil testing kit
Digging shovel
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Select a new area in your landscape to replant the gardenia bush. The new area should have full sun with some afternoon shade and well-drained soil. Avoid replanting by a concrete sidewalk or driveway because the pH in that area may be too high. Gardenias prefer a pH level between 5.0 to 6.0.
- 2
  Confirm the pH level by conducting a soil analysis using a soil testing kit from your local extension office. Amend the soil according to the outcome of the analysis. Sulfur is usually used to reduce the pH level.
- 3
  Dig a trench 12 inches deep and wide around the gardenia bush with a sharp digging shovel to ensure the roots are cleanly cut. The roots must be severed before lifting the root ball carefully from the hole to avoid injury to the roots.
- 4
  Dig a hole in the new location twice the width of the root ball, but the same height as the previous hole.
- 5
  Set the root ball in the hole. Backfill halfway and water to eliminate air pockets. Once drained, finish refilling the hole with soil and water again.
- 6
  Water the gardenia 1 inch a week unless rainfall is sufficient to establish the roots. Apply a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch, such as pine straw or wood chips, to maintain soil moistness and decrease weeds from growing.

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