Light

• Gardenias thrive in full sun or partial shade. Fully shaded areas may hinder or reduce bloom production. They love high humidity, making them an easy-to-grow plant in humid states such as Florida.
  
  

Soil

• Gardenias will grow well in many types of soil, but they prefer well-drained soil with plenty of organic material. This plant is not salt tolerant and should not be planted near sidewalks or driveways in regions where snowfall is common.
  
  

Feeding

• Fertilize gardenias three times a year with a slow-release acid fertilizer. Early spring and mid-summer, when drought conditions are not present, and in the early fall are the best times for application for stronger, healthier root development.
  
  

Signs of Stress

• Monitor gardenias for yellowing leaves or unopened bud drop. Yellow leaves signal iron deficiency, nematode infestation or disease, according to the University of Florida. Bud drop can be caused by temperature extremes, insects, excessive fertilizer or soggy soil.
  
  

Pests

• Remove or control pests that might attack the plants. Insects that prefer gardenias include thrips, whiteflies, scales, aphids and spider mites.