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Gardening in Oz

What's killing my gardenias?

8 years ago

I have been in this rental property for a year and in that time have lost several gardenias from a side garden. They are watered 3 times a week by retic in summer 20 mins plus hand water and rain water in winter. The soil is moist. I have slow released fertilised them quarterly. The first 2 died within weeks of moving in (June last year). The garden is west facing but gets minimal sun. The North facing bed is doing fine. They seem to get the browny leaf first then all leaves drop. I had a big issue with ants for some months. Help!

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Comments (4)

alisonoz_gw
8 years ago
The first problem is, photos 2 and 4 show a lot of black sooty mold which, when combined with talk of ants, indicates you (sorry, the gardenias) have scale. The insects suck sap from the leaves and stems, gradually weakening the plant. Ants are attracted and "farm" them. Their secretions provide a food source for the mold which blankets the leaves and stops them being able to do what leaves do. Breathe.

2nd prob indicated by the yellowing of the leaves is that those plants showing it are probably chlorotic. Don;t worry about that yet.

Despite the fact that the failing ones get minimal sun, they are in a very narrow bed, probably get very hot through that metal fence behind.

There may be an issue with overwatering or underwatering.

There may be an issue with soil ph, or something leaching into the soil like from the fence foundations or the retaining wall bricks. Not enough info to go on.

Before you go running off buying chemicals, see if you can find out a few things. It may be that the plants were put in just before you moved in... and simply weren't prepped or were unsuitable for the site.

Check your lease - I don't think most landlords expect you to become a botanical expert, just maintain things to a reasonable standard... and since there is a watering system in place....

The cost of treatments may outweigh the value of the plants still saveable (if any are). I'd just do a bit more research and then go talk to the agent/owner.

It may be better just to substitute a less fussy plant -that'd be my option and save yourselves all more worry and fuss.
anitatreasure
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks so much for your advice, Alison. I thought I had responded yesterday but can't see it so thought I would again just in case!
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alisonoz_gw
8 years ago
Good luck anita
blckrose
8 years ago
Maybe that black cat uses that garden as a toilet!

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