Gardenia hedges can beautify any garden, but if neglected they will lose much of their beauty. Make sure you prune the gardenias once they have finished flowering and always use well-sharpened pruning shears. You should always remove all dried flowers first and then carefully trim the buds that alter the natural shape of the plant.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Remove Dead Stems
Step 1. Grab the withered stems with your fingers
During the flowering season, check the plant regularly for faded flowers - they are brown or black in color and will generally have an unhealthy appearance. Grab the flower with your thumb and forefinger behind the bulge at its base. Tear off the withered stem from the branch.
- This practice is known as "topping".
- You may need garden shears for the thicker stems.
Step 2. "Top" your gardenia plant once a week during the flowering season
Look for and remove faded or wilting flowers once a week. Removing them regularly can encourage the growth of longer lasting flowers, as well as increase the number of those that will come out later.
Step 3. Choose the right time for pruning
If you prune the plant with shears before flowering ends, you could damage the growing flowers. Instead, plan to prune after the flowering season ends, but before the daytime temperature drops below 18 ° C. When you see the flowers begin to wilt, it's time to prune. Prune the plants 1 to 2 weeks after wilting.
Part 2 of 3: Prune for Shape, Size and Growth
Step 1. Use standard pruning shears to trim the gardenias
For branches with a thickness greater than about 4 cm use common hand shears. In the unlikely case of stronger branches, use a narrow blade saw.
Step 2. Disinfect your shears (and saw if needed) before using them
Make a solution of 1 part denatured alcohol and 1 part water. Dip the blades in the solution, or wet a clean rag and use it to scrub them. However, if you haven't used them for a long time, leave the blades soaked in the solution for about 10 minutes. Then let the shears air dry.
- You can also use a solution consisting of 1 part bleach and 9 parts water.
- Clean the blades thoroughly after cutting any diseased or infected branches and when switching from plant to plant.
- If you don't disinfect your shears, you may accidentally transfer insects or diseases from one branch (or plant) to another.
Step 3. Take a few steps back to determine the size and shape of the hedge
Move far enough away to evaluate the entire bush against the area around it. Then decide what size and shape your gardenia hedge should have. Once the pruning process begins, step away frequently to make sure you are maintaining the size and shape you want.
Step 4. Hold the shears at a 45 degree angle to the branch
This angle will help you cut branches easily. It will also prevent you from damaging the main branches of the hedge by preventing you from cutting too close.
Step 5. Cut half of the older branches off the trunk
By eliminating the older ones, there will be room for new, more robust branches to grow. If the hedge has overgrown, you may want to cut more than half of the older branches.
Older branches tend to have a darker brown color and are thicker
Step 6. Cut the remaining branches to the desired height and shape
After you have eliminated the older branches, refine the remaining ones. As you trim the branches, be sure to cut above the branch bud or leaf node to encourage new growth there.
The branch bud is where the thinnest branches develop from where the thicker old branch was cut off. The leaf node is the bulge at the end of the leaf stem on the branch
Step 7. Prune more where you want to encourage growth
In addition to doing this to maintain the shape and size of the hedge, you can prune to encourage growth in certain areas. If you prune the bottom gardenias beyond the overgrowth - by a few inches - that area will tend to grow back more lush.
Part 3 of 3: Taking care of your Gardenia
Step 1. Water your gardenia regularly
Regular watering will promote thick foliage and increased flowering. The soil around the hedge should always be moist. The frequency of watering will depend on how dry the climate will be.
Step 2. Fertilize your gardenia 2 or 3 times a year
One of the best times to do this is after pruning. Use a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer in 3-1-2 or 3-1-3 proportions. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the quantities to use and mix it with the soil around the hedge.
Step 3. Check gardenias for bugs
You should look for mealybugs, caterpillars, aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and spider mites. If you notice any of these insects on your gardenias, try a natural remedy to remove them. If the infestation is severe, you may need an insecticide.
- To get rid of aphids, spray them with water every 2-3 days until they disappear.
- For whiteflies and spider mites, try applying neem oil or insecticidal soap to the plant.
- Use your hands to remove the caterpillars from the hedge.
