Question
I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, want to have a gardenia bush or plant, for the outside of my house.  I have bought store bought plants and they usually die within a month.  I have many other plants inside my house that are doing well.  I would like to have a plant that will do well in a East exposure, the soil around here is clay, the spot I am thinking of is near a water spout.  What type of plant should I buy?  What would be the best location, type soil, etc.  Is a life dream to have one, it brings warm memories of my parents house in Florida.  Help!

Answer
Dear Marcela,

Greetings from "Coach Dave", I work for The Home Depot and plants such as Gardenia's are my specialty. My Mother had a large Gardenia bush outside our kitchen window when I was growing up, so I share your memories about their great smell.

Most "Gardenia jasminoides" do well in zone 8-10. Since Tulsa Oklahoma is zone 6b(USDA) or zone 35(Sunset), Gardenia's are usually treated as an annual. The problem with Gardenia's outside is the cold weather.

Gardenia's such as: Augusta, Ever blooming, Radicans, Prostrata, and Veitchii, are favorites However, Gardenia's such as "Frost Proof" or "Chuck Hayes" are types that are considered to be cold tolerant, but only for a short time.

I would recommend doing something like getting flower boxes or large pots to have the spring to fall outdoor Gardenias of your dreams, then moving them indoors during your winter months to spare them the harsh winter.

Using a good draining potting soil and adding acidic nutrients will keep your Gardenias happy and healthy.  I add all my used coffee grounds to the soil which makes the leaves green and waxy.

During the sunny months fertilizing every other month is a good idea to encourage blooming, but NEVER during winter months. I use slow release granuals instead of water soluble fertilizers.

If the leaves turn yellow this means either: you have over watered, there is not enough drainage, or lack of nutrients. A common problem I see in Gardenia's is root rot from over watering.

For other shrubs that will do well I would recommend: Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Coreopsis, Sunflower, Hellebore, Daylily, Hosta, Peony, Pholx, Stokes, Aster, and Roses.

Let me know how your Gardenia's turn out.

Yours Respectfully,

Coach Dave