Use Scotts Osmocote Rose, Gardenia, Azalea & Camellia Potting Mix. Do not mix it with soil from the ground, as garden mix or native soil can compact in large planter boxes, block drainage, and lack the lower pH gardenias need.
Recommended Potting Mix
- Use Scotts Osmocote Rose, Gardenia and Azalea Premium Potting Mix straight from the bag. It features a lower pH and extra magnesium and iron tailored for acid-loving gardenias.
Planting Instructions
- Check drainage: Ensure your large planter boxes have operational drainage holes at the bottom.
- Prep the plant: Water your gardenia in its nursery pot beforehand and let it drain.
- Fill partially: Fill the planter box part-way with the fresh Osmocote mix.
- Tease roots: Gently take the gardenia out and lightly tease the outer roots if they are tight or bound.
- Position: Place the plant in the centre, making sure it sits at the same soil depth it had in the nursery pot.
- Backfill: Fill around the root ball with the potting mix. Tap the container softly to settle the mix, but do not compress or pack it down hard.
- Water deeply: Soak the soil thoroughly right after planting until water runs out of the bottom drainage holes.
- Mulch: Add a bark or leaf mulch over the top to keep shallow roots cool, keeping the mulch a small distance away from the main stems to prevent collar rot