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Gardenia Leaves Turning Brown

Growing Gardenias, Caring for Gardenias, Gardenia Diseases

gardenia, flowers, gardenias, common gardenia, gardenia blossom, gardenia flowers, Gardenia diseases, Gardenia Problems, Gardenia Brown Leaves, Brown Leaves, Leaves Turning Brown, Brow Spots on Leaves

Beloved for their intoxicating fragrance and attractive, waxy, creamy-white flowers contrasting beautifully with their shiny, leathery, dark green leaves, Gardenias are irresistible evergreen shrubs or trees. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, southern Asia, Australasia, and Oceania, Gardenias may be fussy and quite temperamental in their cultural needs.

If your Gardenia’s leaves turn brown or display brown spots, this may be caused by any of these reasons:

  • Low humidity: Gardenias demand high humidity to thrive. Provide extra moisture with daily misting, set the plant on a tray of moist pebbles, and/or use a humidifier. Extra humidity is important in keeping down spider mites that thrive under dry conditions.
  • Water splashed on the leaves when watering the plant. Drip irrigation will keep water off the foliage and flowers and prevents leaf spots.
  • Poor soil drainage: Make sure your Gardenia soil is moist but well-drained.
  • Insufficient light: Although a Gardenia plant prefers full sun, some shade is appreciated during the warmer months of the year or its leaves may scorch, and its buds may fall off if they get too much sunlight. In hot climates, Gardenias grow best with morning sun and afternoon shade. In cooler areas, they can tolerate full sun, especially if their roots are covered with organic mulch. Gardenias growing in containers need a bright light or filtered shade with no direct sun. Gardenias grown indoors should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight through a sunny window.
  • Inadequate Ph: Gardenias prefer acidic soils with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0.
  • Pests and microbial threats: Powdery mildew, leaf spot, and sooty mold can cause your Gardenia leaves to brown and wilt. Similarly, aphids, scales, and spider mites can attack gardenia leaves. Check your plant for pests underneath the leaves and on the stems. Spraying your gardenia with an antifungal agent (such as horticultural oil with baking soda and insecticidal soap) can reduce the risk of infection or infestation.

To grow your Gardenia with success, make sure you follow these guidelines.

Guide Information

Hardiness 6 - 11
Heat Zones 8 - 12
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Genus Gardenia
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Learn How to Grow and Care for Your Gardenia
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Gardenia Not Blooming
Gardenia Leaves Turning Yellow
Gardenia Bud Drop Problem
Favorite Gardenia Varieties – Complete Selection Guide
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 6 - 11
Heat Zones 8 - 12
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Genus Gardenia
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
Compare All Gardenia
Compare Now
Guides with
Gardenia

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