AusBonsai

Hi forum

I dug this Gardenia out from under a rock - good news, it had grown a windswept look
searching for the sun, bad news I could not retrieve much of the roots.

It has now picked up new leaves on each branch and now FLOWER BUDS.

Question - If I cut the flower buds of at this stage will it help strengthen the tree?

Also if you think the tree has potential any design advice would be lapped up by me.
Thanks
David

Hi CU
The buds shoudl be taken off if you do not want it to flower. Why waste energy making them unless you are wanting to display them,
This also applies to any trees. Flowers take large amounts of energy from the tree to develop so take them off as soon as the buds start to from

the tree will benefit

Gardenia take to wire quite well, but you have to leave it on for a long time (6 months) if you canand they can be cut back hard

A clump style would be the thing for yours I think with the branching so low and from the same spot as they take a long time to thiken up so other styles are somewhat impractical unless you find an old tree.

Ken

Hi Dave,

I have had a Gardenia in a pot now for around 4 years.
It is very slow to show any bulk. I have seen them in the ground at approximately 35-40 years of age and the trunk is around 30 cm wide with strong branching. Ken is right about the flowers, maybe keep 1 for your own to see what the flower looks like but remove the rest. If you have a grow box or can make one then I would suggest putting your Gardenia into that and feed it well to fatten it up. Gardenia like warmth, water and food to grow well and a little compost or cow manure in the mix would not hurt.
Although Gardenia is a slow grower, don't let this deter you from growing it on. Gardenia are a great specimen to work with due to their growth habit, it will give you plenty of options with new shoots for future direction.

Have fun

Thanks Ken and Damien

The buds are off and I will sit back, fertilize and wait.

Thanks again

David