Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

Do Gardenias Lose Leaves in the Fall?

Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images

Gardenias -- also known as cape jasmine -- are grown primarily for the scent their flowers create. They can grow anywhere from 2 to 8 feet in circumference and have thick, glossy green leaves.

Evergreen

bud of gardenia image by Igor Zhorov from Fotolia.com

In semi-tropical areas -- USDA zones 7b and above -- a gardenia grows as an evergreen shrub that shouldn't drop its leaves in the fall as other deciduous plants do. If your gardenia is dropping its leaves in this climate, it may be due to a disease or insect infestation.

Insects

Gardenias are susceptible to some insect infestations. White fly and mealy bugs are two of the most common and can cause leaves to yellow and fall. Check the plant occasionally for evidence of bugs and treat with an insecticidal soap to control them.

Care

gardenia image by Igor Zhorov from Fotolia.com

Keeping gardenias healthy prevents loss of leaves. Plant it in a location that receives either full sun or light shade with moist, well-drained soil. Gardenias are acid-loving plants and the pH of the soil should be between 5 and 6. In the early spring, prune it to the desired shape and give your gardenia plant food once a month when it is growing actively.

  • In semi-tropical areas -- USDA zones 7b and above -- a gardenia grows as an evergreen shrub that shouldn't drop its leaves in the fall as other deciduous plants do.
  • Check the plant occasionally for evidence of bugs and treat with an insecticidal soap to control them.

Related Articles

The Leaves on My Gardenia Bushes Are Turning Brown on the Ends
The Leaves on My Gardenia Bushes Are Turning Brown...
Are Gardenias Annuals or Perennials?
Are Gardenias Annuals or Perennials?
How to Grow Gardenia Plants in Georgia
How to Grow Gardenia Plants in Georgia
How to Feed Gardenias
How to Feed Gardenias
What Weed Killer Kills Buckthorn?
What Weed Killer Kills Buckthorn?
Why Won't My Gardenia Bush Bloom?
Why Won't My Gardenia Bush Bloom?
How to Care for a Gardenia Plant
How to Care for a Gardenia Plant
How to Grow Gardenia Plants
How to Grow Gardenia Plants
Are Hibiscus Plants Poisonous to People?
Are Hibiscus Plants Poisonous to People?
How to Make Gardenias Bloom All Year
How to Make Gardenias Bloom All Year
Gardenia Plant With Leaves Turning Brown
Gardenia Plant With Leaves Turning Brown
Tahitian Gardenia Care
Tahitian Gardenia Care
Most Fragrant Plants & Flowers
Most Fragrant Plants & Flowers
Are Gardenias Toxic?
Are Gardenias Toxic?
Garden Guides
×