Question
QUESTION: I have a potted gardenia bush it is about 3 ft. high and is is partial shade it get early afternoon strong sunlight.  The plant looks quite healthy with shiny leaves and appears disease free.  T have had this bush since January and livein Lo0s Angeles.  The bush had a ton of buds and I expected to get lots and lost of flowers.  This is not the case the majority of the buds shrivel and fall off.  The buds seem to dry up and get brown.  The very few flowers I have gotten are really small and sickly looking.  What can I do.
Thank you for your timely response

ANSWER: Hi Cecilia,
Thanx for your question.  When transplanting a gardenia in bud, you will probably lose most of the buds and the flowering will be sparse and low-quality if not non-existant.  This is due to the shock of transplanting.  Soil must be rich, somewhat acidic and moist but well-drained.  Side dress the plants with well-composted manure feeding in the spring, early and mid-summer.  Water once a week when there is no regular rainfall.  Mulch around the plant to help maintain ground moisture.  The plant needs full sun but in hot climates, protection is welcom from hot afternoon sunshine.  I hope this helps.
Tom

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QUESTION: Thanks for your answer.  How do I tell if the soil is acidic and what do you mean by "side dress the plant with well-composted manure"?.  Do i use manure in a potted plant?
Thank you for your help

Answer
Hi Cecilia,
Thanx for your question.  Chances are, your soil is alkaline.  Most soils from Central Kansas to California are alkaline and the alkalinity goes up the farther west one goes.  You can buy soil sample kits at garden centers or you can contact the Los Angeles County Extension and they can help you get a soil sample.
http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/
You can find amendments for the soil at garden centers that will make your soil more acidic.  Or simply look for gardenia food such as Miracid or any food for rhododendrons and/or azaleas.  Side dressing means to take a bag of composted manure you can buy at the garden center and work it gently into the soil around the base of the plant.  Yes, you can use the composted manure in the potted plant.  It does not smell as it is already broken down  I hope this helps.
Tom