How to Know When to Replant a Gardenia

Gardenias are small shrubs commonly grown in the garden and in pots. In general, you should never replant an outdoor gardenia. They do not tolerate the root damage caused by transplanting. Potted gardenias, on the other hand, can be replanted because the roots suffer little, if any damage. Look for signs that your gardenia needs repotting and know when repotting is beneficial to help encourage growth.

Instructions

- 1
  Replant a thriving potted gardenia into a larger pot -- no more than 2 inches wider -- every spring when the plants are still immature. Mature gardenias are 2 to 6 feet tall, depending on the variety. Repotting helps prevent the plants from becoming pot bound and gives them sufficient room to mature. Wait until after blooming to replant potted gardenias.
- 2
  Replant mature potted gardenias when they become pot bound. You can tell when a gardenia is pot bound because the roots may be growing out the drainage holes or, if you lift the soil from the pot, the roots are circling the outside of the soil. It may also bloom less than it did in previous years with no other explanation.
- 3
  Replant a garden-grown gardenia only if it is absolutely necessary. For example, you may have to transplant it if you are moving and want to take your bush with you, or it is not receiving enough sunlight and never blooms. Ideally, only replant a young gardenia rather than a mature one.

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