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  • Linda G.I have a gardenia planted on the east side of my yard in the Central Valley of CA. It's been planted for about one year but suddenly the leaves are all turning yellow. I don't know if it is getting enough water or too much water or what is going wrong with it. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should be doing so I can save this plant???? Thank you.
    Wednesday May 24, 2017 at 12:43

6 comments

  • Karen A. Karen A. Gardenias behave this way normally in spring. They drop their old leaves to make room for new ones. The leaf drop will stop about when they are ready to bloom. You can get free advice from your County Extension Master Gardeners. They will know more about rainfall and soils in your area. You can call them in Tulare County (559)684-3325 & (559)684-3326 Tue and Thur 9:30 - 11:30 am. Kings County (559) 852-2736 Thursday Only, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Or email: cetulare@ucdavis.edu
    Thursday May 25, 2017 at 19:54
  • Linda G. Linda G. Thank you so much:)
    Thursday May 25, 2017 at 20:01
  • Vicki L. Vicki L. Gardenias do this pretty regularly. You should always make sure they have enough iron, which will help them if they are getting a lot of water. This happens a lot in Texas (Houston) when it's rained a lot. Feed them and make sure you give them plenty of iron. That will help a lot.
    Friday May 26, 2017 at 07:29
  • Linda G. Linda G. Thank you. I will see if I can find an iron supplement. We had a lot of rain two months ago and the gardenia looked good. It's been hot (in the high 90s) lately and we've been watering it every other day. There are buds on it but the leaves just keep turning yellow. My neighbor has a gardenia and the leaves on his plant are a dark, healthy looking green.
    Friday May 26, 2017 at 12:52
  • Vicki L. Vicki L. yes, Iron supplements can be found at most garden centers. Tell your center what you need it for. Give it a balanced fertilizer regularly as well. They do need water after you give them the iron and food. And make sure you water first, then feed/iron, then water thoroughly again. Follow directions on the iron pkg as to how often to give it the iron. But this ought to get yours feeling a little more perky. I have 6 plants, scattered around my property and they do require a tiny bit of effort. Let us know how it all turned out! Happy gardening.
    Friday May 26, 2017 at 18:09
  • Linda G. Linda G. Thank you again. I just got back from the store and bought some iron :) :)
    Friday May 26, 2017 at 19:37