I would like to consider myself an avid gardener, but for some reason I cannot, for the life of me, grow gardenias. I tried with a smaller bush variety last summer and the buds just grew and never opened, then fell off. Now this summer I have decided to try again, but this time it is a tree. It started off great with several nice blooming flowers. Now a lot of the leaves are turning yellow and the buds are doing the same, growing and then falling off. Sometimes they turn brown or almost dry out before ever opening up. Is there something I am doing wrong? As of now it sitsnon the front porch, facing east receiving the morningmorning and early afternoon sun. I water it every 2-3 days depending on the heat level outside, and have not fertilized it yet. Any helpful tips would be great! Thanks!

Where are you located? Some locations are just not right for gardenias. I'm in northern California and I don't know anyone here that has grown a gardenia successfully.

My Mom has a couple in pots doing quite well.

Inside or outside? Everyone I know has tried to grow gardenias here and has given up after the first year or two.

Outside, by her porch. I jut bought a little 4 inch pot and am trying it too. I've seen a few around here in the ground.