Question
Hi Mike,
  I live in West Covina California. My gardenia plant has a serious problem.  I have tried several soutions to no avail. The leaves appear to be dusty, turn yellow and at times very dark green and then fall off. The plant is outside and has been in the same spot since 1979. No flowers are blooming but the plant seems to be growing. I have cut it back several times to get rid of the problem whatever it is. This plant has special meaning to me so if I can save it, I will do whatever it takes. It is possible that my maid of Orleans (a type of jasmine)is suffering from the same dusty leaves and spidery web type somethingalthough it has been indoors. My midnight jasmine outdoors looks like it might have been infected by whatever is on the gardenias. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Ann Kitay

Answer
Ann, it sounds like your gardenias have contracted a fungal disease. It's hard to tell which one it is without seeing a picture of the plant, but most fungal diseases can be treated with the same products.

I personally use a product called Soap Shield. It is a copper-based fungicide that controls hundreds of fungal diseases. It is organic and can be applied throughout the growing season. What I like best about Soap Shield is that it has a soapy film which makes the product adhere to the foliage better and lasts much longer. You can also visit your local garden center and purchase other copper-based fungicides that will also work just fine.

Attached is a link to a website that will give you more information on this and another similar product.

http://www.gardensalive.com/product.asp?pn=8066&ss=Soap%20Shield

http://www.planetnatural.com/site/cueva-copper-soap.html

Good luck, and please write again if you ever need assistance.

Regards,

Mike