Will putting stones around your gardenias hurt them? My gardenia shrubs are turning yellow, leaves turning brown, and looking bad. The temp has been in the 90 degree range. I don't know if I am watering enough or too much. I did not plant them or put the landscaping stone around them but I am not sure if the stones, because of the heat, are the best thing for their roots.

HI & welcome! By stones, do you mean large rocks that you had to move one at a time, or more of a gravel? If you are able to add pics, the suggestions can be so much more specific. What is the motivation for putting the stones there?

Loose landscaping stones. When I had my gardians planated they used landscaping stones around my plants. The stones where used for looks.

This sounds like a rock mulch. Are you able to add a pic of the Gardenia in its' setting? It's normal for the older leaves to turn yellow and fall off as the plant ages. Sometimes a bunch at once. Are the tips still lush and green? Knowing your general location would also help folks know what a Gardenia would normally be doing in your climate at a given time. I'm in AL near FL border and Gardenia is a dependable full-sun plant, with gorgeous glossy leaves and, of course, periodic blooms that smell awesome, as long as the soil does not get too dry.

There are multiple types of Gardenia. If you know any further info about what kind you have, the info you get could be more specific to that type.