Watering once every two weeks is not nearly often enough for a newly planted gardenia, or anything else, for that matter.

Also, it is strongly recommended that woody plants be installed right into the native soil, without the addition of any amendments at all. The exception would be if you prepared an entire planting bed all at once.

You may want to post a pic of your plant so Rhizo1 can have a better assessment of what is really going on with it. She is a horticulturist on board and I too learn from reading her responses.

{{gwi:68416}}

It is a new planting and so needs more watering. A good soaking once or twice a week if no rain. Also evening sun can be hotter, adding more credence to the water need theory.