Gardenia not growing

sazzle-

This is a picture of a Gardenia that I planted 3 years ago. It has remained this size and I’ve only had one flower. Any ideas what I can be doing wrong??

amancalledgeorge

That's really small...does it have enough sun and food? Looks like it's suffering from chlorosis too, the leaves should be deep green. 

sazzle-

It’s in the sun and fed regularly. I’ll try treating it for Chlorosis. Any suggestions?

Busy-Lizzie

Did you plant it in acid (ericaceous) compost? It should be watered with rain water. It has chlorosis which means it can't absorb iron from alkali soil, bit like us being anaemic. Gardenias don't like afternoon sun, but they do like light. Morning sun should be OK.

sazzle-

What do I do about Chlorosis? Any ideas?

amancalledgeorge

A dose of Epsom salts will help alongside with some sequested iron feed. Maybe also worth top dressing with some ericaceous compost to give it a boost and see if it will coax it to grow much more. My plant has gone a bit yellow currently so will follow my advice too 😉

Happy to be corrected on this course of action. After all we all learn as we go along. 

Obelixx

Epsom salts - ratio is 15ml to 5 litres of distilled or rain water.  Use in a watering can with its rose fitted and pour over the leaves.  Contains magnesium so is good for all plants but especially the ericaceous ones whose leaves are too pale because of calcium in the soil or tap water.

sazzle-

Thanks everyone for your help 👍🏻😊

sazzle-

Ok thanks 😊