Question
Would like to put a gift gardenia plant in my garden. Are they perennials and can I leave it out during the winter?

Answer
Greetings Jo,

What a nice gift!

In answer to your question, gardenias are definitely perennials.  Unfortunately, they are not particularly hardy. There are frost proof cultivars which can handle zone 7b, but you probably have the type that is only hardy to zone 8, which would not include New Jersey.

So you would be better off keeping it indoors in the winter. You might wish to repot it in loose, soil with an acidic ph. From March to October, give it half strength acidic fertilizer every 4 weeks. In winter it will appreciate a cool, bright location away from heating vents.

Is this helpful?  Please feel free to write again.

Donna