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Gardening in Oz

My Gardenia's are dying

10 years ago

Hi, I planted a bunch of gardenia's about 3 years ago in a garden bed along the fence, they were doing just fine, although not that much flowering. For the first few years I was very active at fertilising with seasol and powerfeed every fortnight but since have slowed down.
I have a sprinkler system set to 35 minutes every Sunday and Thursday morning.
About 3 months ago one of the plants started dying and I pulled it out, since then the plants to the right of it have started dying too.
Just over the fence my neighbour has a lemon, orange and olive tree's which have been thriving, the gardenia's seem to be dying near the olive tree so I'm wondering if that could be the cause.
I have attached some images, any advise would be appreciated.

Here is a link that might be useful: Photo's of my gardenia's

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Comments (2)

alisonoz_gw
10 years ago
Gardenias seem to be a bit "tetchy" and in my own experience, overrated as a perfumed plant as I've only ever had problems with bud drop and/or scale and sooty mould.
You can google and there are plenty of articles such as this one from the "lazy gardener" - but just scroll down to "needs" and "hates".
Yours have considerable problems in terms of die-off but also that dreadful yellowing.
If they cannot be saved by reasonable methods, please don't persevere but look for something more suitable. I see you have a couple of magnolias there how are THEY going?

Here is a link that might be useful: B's backyard
funnelweb
10 years ago
Over the past 10 years I've had G. Magnifica, G. 'Forever More', G. Grandiflora Star, and G. Radicans and all thrived until this season when 2 of my magnifica suddenly turned yellowish in the leaves, dropped most of them and died. I put it down to the extended dry period and a little neglect on my part - in summer particularly they love water and should not be allowed to dry out. The others are all doing well and their scent is positively heavenly, no other flower can match it, I reckon. They also hate sudden changes in temperature, which can cause premature bud drop. I have found that once or twice a year they benefit from a dose of blood and bone but I do avoid any fertiliser containing lime - they hate it, preferring a neutral to slightly acid ph. A reasonably regular doze of weak liquid manure is also beneficial. They also prefer good drainage, a friable soil and deadheading of flowers. The hardiest and most forgiving, I find, is the dwarf, mound forming, G. radicans.

B.
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Holy Moly is right!!! Where have you been my friend! You mean to tell me you no longer have to threaten yours?lol You have been missed, at least by me anyway!!! I can't believe that you of all people have managed to keep a gardenia alive for more than one year..Yahooooo and congratulations. Now, can you tell how happy I am that you are back? Now that you are, I shall have to come around more often and check out your pictures of the gardenias that you didn't threaten...By the way, after throwing that other one in the woods, do you think the this one you have has been haunted by some demon plant! That could be it too... So happy your back Mersiepoo! Here are a couple of pictures especially for you I took today of mine growing all winter! Many hugs! I also saved one from Lowes yesterday, that I only paid, are you ready 5 DOLLARS for. I will post you a picture tomorrow my friend! A couple of bonus pictures for you I took within the last couple of weeks. Enjoy Clivia Hoya Brunfelsia! See you soon.. Mike:-)
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I am not sure if you know this, but Gardenias DO NOT like their roots disturbed.. You will never believe how long it took for mine to fully recovere after a transplant..Almost 3 months! Sure your climate and growing conditions are a perfect match, but these plants don't care about that. I have an Aunt who transplanted one of her's from one side of her garden to another in Daytona, and it took 5 months to fully recover..It held on though, and that is the key. It may take a while for it to fully recover, but eventually it will if you give it the proper care. You have a far better chance than any of us here who have to grow them in pots. Just make sure your trees are in FAST draining good composty acidic soil....Do not feed at this time until the leaves perk up when they are drinking properly. Can you give it a root stimulator? I think MG makes a product to help the roots along and prevent shock.. Are you watering it well, as the new roots are trying to form? Have you checked for insects, using a magnifying glass looking for spidermites, since they are notorious for attacking weak plants? You might have a a water uptake problem, while at the same time a sucking bug problem on your leaves, sucking what ever moisture there is in your plant. If you don't want to spend the time looking for insects, then I recommend you spray for them to be safe after the sun sets, or way before it rises. If before it rises, spray, wait an hour or two, then spray your tree off with just plain water. Also, direct afternoon sun in your area is a no no, but doable...From the sounds of your description, they should be happy with the amount you provide. If your BRANCHES are dying, then you have a whole other issue...If not, don't be too concerned if your taking the proper steps to help it along.. Mike;-)
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I had the same problem. I got some epsom salts from bunnings & spread it around the base of the plant & watered it in. Now they are great. They need magnesium. Hope this helps
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