Cold Hardy Gardenias - Selecting Gardenias For Zone 5 Gardens

There simply are no gardenias for zone 5 backyards on the market. These plants have not been bred to survive severe cold. This is not helpful to those planning on growing gardenias in zone 5 yards. In this low hardiness zone, winter temperatures regularly dip well below zero.

Can you grow gardenias in Zone 5?

Most gardenias are hardy in zones 8-11, though a few varieties hardy to zone 7 have been developed (Kleim's Hardy gardenia is one), and a few are only hardy in zones 10 and 11 (including Double Tahitian gardenia). Soil: Gardenias require a soil pH of between 5.0 and 6.5, which is considered acidic to slightly acidic.

What is the most cold hardy gardenia?

Frostproof Hardy Gardenia. Frostproof Gardenia is one of the most cold hardy Gardenia varieties, with recommended hardiness ranges from Zone 7 thru 11.......with occasional success even seen in some zone 6b locations if planted in protected areas.

What is the hardiest Gardenia?

Gardenia jasminoides 'Kleim's Hardy'

This hardiest of gardenias has a versatile, dwarf habit that works great in containers, raised beds and in the foreground of borders. The showy, white, star-like, five-petal flowers have a lovely fragrance that can be best enjoyed when planted near entryways and patios.

Can gardenias survive cold weather?

Gardenias are fairly hardy plants suitable for USDA zones 8 to 10. They can handle light freezes, but the foliage will get damaged with sustained cold in exposed locations. ... Occasionally, a very hard hit gardenia will lose the battle if the root zone was deeply frozen and winter dryness was a factor.

Do Gardenias like coffee grounds?

In addition to amending the soil with compost or aged manure, these acid-loving plants will appreciate coffee grounds, tea bags, wood ashes, or Epsom salts mixed into the soil as well. Since they are rich in nitrogen, magnesium, and potassium, coffee grounds are oftentimes a more favorable homemade gardenia fertilizer.

Can you grow gardenias in Zone 6?

Most varieties enjoy tropical or subtropical conditions and are recommended for USDA zones 8-11. However, a few frost proof Gardenia varieties can now be grown more reliably in USDA climate zone 7 and even 6.

What is the lowest temperature a gardenia can handle?

Gardenias are zone 8 plants, meaning they should survive temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. You should plant gardenias in protected areas that provide plenty of morning sunlight to warm them on cooler days.

Do gardenia plants come back every year?

Gardenias are perennial evergreen shrubs and small trees. These plants enjoy direct sunlight and average temperatures of 68 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Depending on the climate and growing conditions, some gardenia plants act like an annual.

Are gardenias poisonous to dogs?

What is Gardenia Poisoning? Gardenias are a large group of flowers with hundreds of different colors, shapes, and sizes all over the world. Some are grown indoors as houseplants and some grow outside either wild or in gardens. They are all poisonous to dogs although some are more toxic than others.

What is the best time to plant gardenias?

When to Plant Gardenias

Generally, the best time to plant gardenias is in the fall. ...
In cooler regions (Zones 7), it's best to plant in the spring, as this will ensure that the gardenia has plenty of time to settle in before winter.

Where should gardenias be planted?

Select a site with full sun to light shade. Although a Gardenia plant prefers full sun, some shade is appreciated during the warmer months of the year or its leaves may scorch and its buds may fall off if they get too much sunlight. In hot climates, Gardenias grow best with morning sun and afternoon shade.

What is the best fertilizer for gardenia?

Feed your plants

Gardenias use a lot of nutrients to produce so many glorious blossoms. Feed your shrubs by applying an acidic, slow-release fertilizer such as an azalea or camellia fertilizer. For the organic gardener, blood meal, fish emulsion or bone meal work well.

How cold is too cold for Gardenia?

Gardenias are grown for their large, sweetly fragrant flowers and glossy evergreen foliage. They are meant for warm climates and sustain substantial damage when exposed to temperatures below 15 F. (-9 C.).

What grows well in Zone 6b?

The best plants for zone 6 that can be sown outside as early as March are cold weather crops like lettuce, radishes, and peas.
...
Perennial favorites that thrive in this zone include:

Bee balm.
Coneflower.
Salvia.
Daisy.
Daylily.
Coral bells.
Hosta.
Hellebore.

What is the highest temperature a gardenia can handle?

Gardenias are sensitive to temperature, preferring a consistent 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Above 70 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at night, they may drop buds that have already formed.

Are eggshells good for gardenias?

Crops that attract snails such as basil, cabbage, lettuce, marigolds and strawberries will certainly benefit from a sprinkle of eggshells onto their soil. Plants that tend to like coffee grounds include hydrangeas, gardenias, azaleas, lilies, ferns, camellias and roses.

How often do you put coffee grounds on gardenias?

Supplement weekly applications of coffee grounds with monthly fertilizer "tea" treatments. Put 1 cup of rotted manure or aged compost into a cloth bag. Seal the bag and submerge it in 1 gallon of water. Let it sit for three days; then remove the nutrient bag and apply the tea directly to the soil.

Is vinegar good for gardenias?

It is fine to use diluted vinegar on your gardenias. The Vinegar Institute recommends using diluted vinegar on gardenias (also azaleas and rhododendrons) in hard water areas at a rate of 1 cup of vinegar to a gallon of tap water (see here). The vinegar will help to release iron in the soil.

Are gardenias easy to grow?

Gardenias are easy to grow but require a bit of attention. Fuss over them and the plant gives beauty. Ignore them and they yellow and die. Moist, acid, well-drained soil; morning sun and afternoon shade; good air circulation; and proper fertilization will make them happy.

How often do gardenias bloom?

Gardenias are flowering evergreen shrubs hardy in zones 7-11. Their long lasting, fragrant white flowers bloom from late spring to fall. Each bloom can last several weeks before wilting.