Question
Recently I planted a Gardenia in my front flower bed. At the time it had many buds, within two days they all bloomed. Beautiful, but within the next couple of days the leaves started turning yellow....what is wrong?  Is it just in shock.  Several years ago, I planted one in my front yard and only expected it to last the season, however, it bloomed and grew so big over the next few years that it was splitting down the middle the branches were so heavy with blooms, boy was I proud!! I want the same results with this one....I live in Maryland, so we go through all the seasons here.

Thanks!!

Linda

Answer
I only answer questions on roses and there is a rambler called Gardenia but you wouldn't be planting a 30 foot rose in your front yard! I love Gardenias but they are a high maintenance shrub. They like sandy moist acid soil and need part shade.
They also benefit from a thick mulch around the base and lots of water. The main problem with gardenias is root rot which only comes when the soil has clay in it. Also bud drop which can happen if the plant has buds on it when you planted it and then if you plant it in a different direction from where the light was originally coming from, then the buds drop off (as I found out). As they are acid lovers then they need an acid fertilizer. Although I have used fish fertilizer and bloom meal without causing any problems. In regards to the yellowing of the leaves two things can cause it. Too much water around the roots such as poor drainage or transplant shock.Because you do know how to grow gardenias it is probably just in shock. In regards to the splitting. If you want the look of a standard or even just an upright bush, push a sturdy stick right along side of the main stem stopping where the bush has the most growth. Tie it firmly there and then again halfway down. Also make sure you prune the gardenia back hard so it doesn't become too top heavy. Linda you should really ask this question of someone who has far more knowledge than me. I have only answered it from my knowledge as I love Gardenias.