Gardenias

[aykhan]

Brig saheb all gardenias will need to be treated the same. You can go to any nursery and ask for gardenia and when they take you to the spot you'll realize they are not giving them the TLC we are ready to give them and even then they're doing well. Yesterday Khabbab and I saw a beautiful flowered gardenia at Siraj nursery for Rs 50 only. He thought it was local, therefore the cheap price! I think he sold us gardenia jasminoides cultivar Augusta or Belmont

[UMARKHANMARDAN]

Brigd sb Gardenias are so easy to care.neglect them after planting.plant in filtred sun,add some leaf compost.under trees is right location.leave them untouched & they will reward u with so many flowers every spring/summer.another thing you see any thing by chance pick it from the nursery.what i mean you may not get it next year or even the next day.

[aykhan]

Khan saheb I agree. If you see and recgnize something good just pick it up!

[khabbab]

So you guys are suggesting, i can plant a gardenia under a neem tree?

[Izhar]

make sure to use Ferrous Sulfate... a healthy green plant will definitely produce more blooms then a chlorotic plant

[khabbab]

Is diluted vinegar is an option instead of ferrous sulfate?

[aykhan]

Khabbab, I plan to make my gardenia bed below my neem tree. I will however keep the gardenias there in a pot for a few months to make sure they're happy there before putting them in the ground. Roses and gardenias and jasmines, what more could a gardener desire
Izhar, the iron is doing wonders for bringing the pH down. I used it and the pH meter showed between 5.5 to 6 and the leaves now look much healthier. The variegated ones show so much better color and green-white demarcation. Definitely beats coffee or tea! Thanks for the advice.

[Izhar]

Organic acids breakdown easily by microbes and they quickly change the pH... diluted and regular application is required...

[aykhan]

I have read authentic materials about using vinegar to decrease pH in gardenias. I confess I haven't tried it myself? There is some controversy on the issue I guess and the best options are likely iron followed by coffee grounds or tea.

[khabbab]

Okay i will use diluted vinegar. But i am afraid the roots of neem tree are every where around its base. If i plant a gardenia, it will be under shade of neem tree leaves and below the gardenia roots might conflict with neem tree roots?