Posted by Andy Terrell on March 15, 19100 at 14:50:24:
In Reply to: Re: Frostbitten Gardenia posted by MEADOW VIEW on March 15, 19100 at 07:57:19:
: : Help!!! My gardenia was severely frostbitten during North Carolinas latest snow fall (24"). My gardenia is about 3 ft tall. The top 2 feet of foliage has turned completely brown and withered. Should I cut it back? Should I leave it alone? Should I take off only the dead foliage? Will it bloom? It is currently sitting at the end of my driveway without any protection. Should I move it closer to the house? Anything will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Andy
ANDY: Hold on....be patient.....wait until new growth starts to come out and see how far the damage is and prune back to this point. It probably would be safe to cut back a foot or so now if it is really bothering you. MVG Plant Dr.
Thank you sooo much! I believe that I will wait it out until the new foliage appears and then do the pruning as you suggested. Do you think I will get blooms this year, if I proceed as you suggested?? Andy