How to Trim Overgrown Gardenias

Gardenias grow between 2 and 15 feet high, depending on the variety and how they are pruned. Some gardenias produce their fragrant, waxy white flowers in late spring or in summer. Pruning occurs after the shrubs finish blooming; otherwise the flowering branches are cut away and the plant won't bloom the year of pruning. Severe pruning doesn't harm the bush and allows you to bring an overgrown gardenia under control so it is more attractive in the landscape.

Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Cut out all dead and damaged branches, removing them at their base where they emerge from the trunk or a larger branch. Inspect the interior of the bush for deadwood and trim it out.
- 2
  Prune out thin and weak branches completely. Weak branches are those with few leaves or buds that flowered poorly or branches that are thinner than a pencil.
- 3
  Remove branches from the interior of the bush that are crossed and rubbing together. Cut out one or both crossed branches at their base so they are no longer rubbing.
- 4
  Head back the remaining branches to the desired height. Make each heading cut within ¼ inch of a leaf or leaf bud so the stem branches at the cut, which results in a fuller bush with more flowers. Remove up to one-third of the overgrowth the first year you prune, and remove any remaining overgrowth the following year.

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Shrubs