As a gardening and landscaping expert , I understand the desire to have a beautiful and fragrant gardenia plant in your zone 5 backyard . However , I must be honest and say that it is extremely challenging to successfully rise gardenia in this blue hardiness geographical zone .
Zone 5 is known for its rough winters , with temperatures on a regular basis put down well below freezing . Gardenias , on the other script , are native to warmer climates and are not by nature equipped to resist such life-threatening cold . These plants thrive in zones 8 - 11 , where winter temperatures are balmy and rarely reach freezing level .
Even if you were to recover gardenia industrial plant labeled as suitable for zone 5 , it is important to approach these claim with caveat . Sometimes , the labeling may be misleading or inaccurate , and you may end up disappointed when your gardenia fail to endure the winter .
I have personally meet gardenia being sold in nurseries with the hope of being intrepid to zone 5 , but after stress to grow them , I found that they could not withstand the cold temperatures . It was a frustrating experience , as I had invested time and drive into nurture these plants , only to see them give in to wintertime hoar .
If you are determined to try growing gardenias in zone 5 , there are a few stride you’re able to take to increase their chances of survival of the fittest . First and first , opt a sheltered location for planting , preferably against a south - facing wall or near a protect area . This can provide some extra warmness and protection from harsh winds .
Next , see using protective measures during the wintertime month . Mulching around the home of the plant life can help isolate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures . to boot , you may extend the plant with gunny or a frost cloth when temperature send packing below freezing . This can provide some extra detachment and shield the plant from the harsh wintertime condition .
It is important to note that even with these precaution , there is no guarantee of success . Gardenias are just not cover to survive in zona 5 climates , and the odds are stack against them . It is essential to be machinate for the theory of losing the plant to winter damage .
rather of try out to develop gardenias in your zone 5 backyard , I would advocate exploring other options that are better suitable to your mood . There are many beautiful and fragrant flowering shrub and perennials that thrive in cold regions , such as lilacs , spirea , and peonies . These plants will not only outlive your zone 5 wintertime but will also reinforce you with stunning blooms class after year .
While it may be tempting to try growing gardenias in zone 5 , the reality is that these plant life are not bred to withstand the severe cold of this hardiness zone . It is important to be realistic about the limitation imposed by your clime and focalize on selecting plant that are better suitable to thrive in your neighborhood .
Caroline Bates
