Can Gardenia bushes grow outside in Wisconsin?

Question

We moved here from Florida and I love the smell of Gardenia (outside and not from a candle or anything) when I sit outside in the Spring/Summer... thank you for knowing!

Answer 1

You cannot plant it in the soil. It would never survive. Why not treat is as a house plant, and bring it in in the fall?

Answer 2

They like to be kept moist, but not soggy. They like day temps of around 70 degrees and night temps around 60 degrees. They also like to be fed constantly. What no one tells you is that a Gardenia will shock very easy. When I first received mine one of them almost died. I just cut back all of the brown and kept it watered...you must not cut all of the leaves off or it will die. Before long it will pop back out and be gorgeous. I in southern Louisiana, i have learned, with harsh summers they have to be kept in a place that gets half a day of shade and half a day of sun. If you live in a milder climate you could leave them in full sun all day, but don't let them get too cold. I left mine out all this winter, but we stayed in the 40- 50 degree range for most of the winter. We only had a couple of nights of freezing weather and I left them out uncovered and they did fine. I have two that were bought at the same time and you can't tell that one almost died. They have began to bloom and they smell wonderful. A little care is all thay need. Good luck!

Answer 3

yes, I think so- they might not grow as well as in Florida though.

Might only grow in spring or summer- they are more of warmer climate bushes.