What to do with my tiny Gardenia that keeps flowering (but not growing)

msqingxiao

Hi all, this tiny Gardenia jasminoides Kleims Hardy arrived in mid-June and I've been keeping it at a shady area in its original pot (haven't seen roots growing out from the bottom of the pot yet). Don't think it has grown much in size but recently it started producing flowers. The flowers smell really nice, but I wonder if I should nip the buds (more forming) so that the plant can direct more energy into growing bigger?

Thanks!

Buttercupdays

I would take it out of the pot and have a look at the roots. It might be that they are just endlessly circling the pot, if there is no soil beneath it to tempt them out. 
Even if that is not the case, a move to a slightly larger pot (wider and deeper) with some John Innes could do no harm and might stimulate that new growth. Hardy or not, it is going to be a bit small to face a winter without it. You might want to consider a degree of protection for this year. 

bcpathome

I have one exactly the same. It even has 2 blooms like yours. I got mine in May but I thought it was doing well as I was told it grew slowly. I’m going to bring mine in for the winter and put it in the spare room with minimum heating on. I don’t think you need worry about your plant , seems fine to me 

msqingxiao

Thanks both for the advice! Just had a quick look at the roots and didn't really see many of them so I guess it is fine in that 9cm pot for now. Also I read on RHS website that it's hardiness H3 which means only hardy down to -5C. So I will definitely overwinter it indoors. 

amancalledgeorge

Don't take the -5°C at face value, the roots would still benefit from a bit more soil to insulate them. The RHS hardiness indication presumes a plant in the ground, which affords better root protection.