What type of soil do gardenias need

Build a raised bed a large mound of soil or use railroad ties to ensure proper drainage. If adding pre-mixed soil to the native soil found in your yard, make sure to mix the soil before building a mound. Peat moss, when clumped together, causes water clogging, which can kill your gardenias.

Opt for installing drain tiles instead. The same drainage test applies when potting Gardenia plants. To mix your own soil when potting gardenias, include the necessary ingredients to create acidic soil. Mix these ingredients then test the soil. Add limestone or gardenia fertilizer to adjust the pH levels. You can also mix this soil with native soil found in your yard or garden. Make sure to test the pH after mixing to ensure the proper pH level.

These soils have the pH range needed to grow Gardenias. By entering your email address you agree to receive a daily email newsletter from Plant Care Today. We'll respect your privacy and unsubscribe at any time. Favorite Large Gardenia Varieties. Favorite Medium-Sized Gardenia Varieties. Hardy Gardenia Varieties. Heat Zones 8 - 12 What's My Zone? Want Garden Inspiration? Related Items Guides. Hardy Gardenia Varieties Beloved for their intoxicating fragrance and attractive, Gardenia Not Blooming If your Gardenia does not bloom, this may be caused by any Get garden design ideas Find your perfect garden.

Find the plants that work for you Ideas for seasons and regions. Design your garden Use our interactive tools to design your dream garden. Find your Hardiness Zone. Where are you based? Find your Climate Zone. Find your Heat Zone. My Region USA. Create New Collection. Please Login to Proceed. Join Gardenia. Join now and start creating your dream garden! Create a New Collection Collection Name. Collection Description Optional. For your reference. Cancel Create Collection. Subscribe to Gardenia.

Go to Garden Design Tools Done. Cancel Delete. Note this is the default cart. Only plants will be removed from the collection. Dry, sandy soils or dense clays also may negatively impact your gardenia's health. Determine your soil's pH and organic matter content before planting a gardenia.

Acquire a soil test kit from a local garden or landscape center, or consult a soil testing service if one is available in your area. Gardenias prefer a soil pH between 5. They also appreciate growing in organic soils, high in humic matter. If your soil pH is above 6. Amend heavy clay, sandy or silty soils with organic matter. Apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of ground hardwood or bark, finished compost and aged manure. Work this in thoroughly to a depth of 12 to 18 inches. You also may include other organic supplements, like alfalfa meal or leaf mold.

If grown in too much shade or long days of hot sun, gardenias may perform poorly. Ideally, they should be planted where they receive several hours of morning sun and late afternoon shade during the hottest periods of the year.