Growing Gardenias - Ask Extension
Hi, I'm looking to plant some gardenias in our yard, and was wondering if there are any types that would be more suited to MD winters? I believe I'm i...
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Growing Gardenias #898914
Asked April 27, 2025, 3:12 PM EDT
Hi, I'm looking to plant some gardenias in our yard, and was wondering if there are any types that would be more suited to MD winters? I believe I'm in Zone 7a.
Harford County Maryland
Expert Response
Even the hardier cultivars are still marginally winter-hardy in Maryland, but some of the variety options that tout a better-than-average hardiness rating include 'Chuck Hayes', 'Crown Jewel', 'Frostproof', and 'Kleim's Hardy'. As new varieties of plants are introduced every year, there are probably others in addition to those.
Whichever variety you try, shelter them from winter winds by siting them near a wall or solid fence that protects them from the brunt of the cold, drying winds. Like other broadleaf evergreens, they are vulnerable to winterburn, which happens when the foliage loses moisture that can't be replaced fast enough, such as when the soil gets too dry or the soil moisture is frozen and inaccessible to roots. As marginally-hardy plants, gardenias will be more susceptible to this damage, or even branch tip dieback in a cold winter, than other evergreens. In general, gardenias grow best in a mix of sun and shade (similar to where azaleas and camellias do well...dappled light, or some afternoon shade in summer at least), in moisture-retentive soil that drains very well, and acidic soil conditions.
Miri
Whichever variety you try, shelter them from winter winds by siting them near a wall or solid fence that protects them from the brunt of the cold, drying winds. Like other broadleaf evergreens, they are vulnerable to winterburn, which happens when the foliage loses moisture that can't be replaced fast enough, such as when the soil gets too dry or the soil moisture is frozen and inaccessible to roots. As marginally-hardy plants, gardenias will be more susceptible to this damage, or even branch tip dieback in a cold winter, than other evergreens. In general, gardenias grow best in a mix of sun and shade (similar to where azaleas and camellias do well...dappled light, or some afternoon shade in summer at least), in moisture-retentive soil that drains very well, and acidic soil conditions.
Miri
Thank you! I saw some mention of covering the plant if it's outside during the winter. Would that be a viable option to help shelter it from the wind and protect from moisture loss?
Cheryl
I apologize for the significant lateness of this reply. The Ask Extension platform experienced technical problems that prevented us from receiving your response until today.
Shielding a borderline-hardy evergreen like gardenia from winter winds might help avoid some leaf damage, though it won't protect it enough from a significant winter cold snap. If you try it, use something breathable (since it does help to have a bit of airflow to avoid fungal issues and to prevent too much of a warm-up on a sunny, mild day) like a layer or two of burlap, row cover, or an old bed sheet, and remove it once the windy spell or cold snap has ended. Monitoring the plants for watering needs during winter mild spells (once the ground has thawed enough for your to be able to check soil moisture) will also help them avoid damage during the next freeze, since they need enough hydration to avoid tissue damage from the cold.
Miri
Shielding a borderline-hardy evergreen like gardenia from winter winds might help avoid some leaf damage, though it won't protect it enough from a significant winter cold snap. If you try it, use something breathable (since it does help to have a bit of airflow to avoid fungal issues and to prevent too much of a warm-up on a sunny, mild day) like a layer or two of burlap, row cover, or an old bed sheet, and remove it once the windy spell or cold snap has ended. Monitoring the plants for watering needs during winter mild spells (once the ground has thawed enough for your to be able to check soil moisture) will also help them avoid damage during the next freeze, since they need enough hydration to avoid tissue damage from the cold.
Miri
