I just googled frost-free gardenias, and found frost proof gardenias. Do you think that is what your landscaper meant? It said they stand up well to late frosts.

Take a look..

marie

I'v heard of them. All my gardienia have the yellowing problem.. iron shortage in soil i believe(its spring..i forgot what i knew last yr..lol).. I add iron and they livin up for a while.

Thanks to both of you for the information. I read where iron, dry yellow cornmeal, and/or epsom salts can also benefit. I'll keep an eye on them. Just so glad to know what they are - ha!

Hi Wodka, Gardenias do that yellowing thing occasionally throughout the season, shedding old leaves, it is not necessarily a problem, if the plant seems otherwise healthy. I did a google search for yellow leaves gardenia or something like that and I did get a host of possible nutrient deficiencies, iron being only one of them. And a soil analysis was recommended to be sure exactly what you are dealing with. If you really don't have low iron, and you add iron, it could make matters worse. I have never done a soil analysis. Rather I try to add organic matter, compost and mulch well. This improves all kinds of soil and provides major and minor nutrients. One other thing, gardenias like acid conditions, and being planted near a new house foundation is usually alkaline. So look for sources of acidifiers like pine straw, azalea and camellia food, miracid made by miracle gro I think. Depending on if you use strictly organic or synthetic sources. If you do a search for acidifiers or acid-loving plants, I'm sure you'll find a bunch of info. Laurie