Gardenias do best here in light to moderate shade when planted in moist yet well drained soil. Fertilize them with Esposito's 5-4-7 in March, June, and August. The most troublesome pest of Gardenias is the Whitefly. Control Whiteflies by spraying the undersides of the leaves with SunSpray Ultra-fine Oil. This spray should be repeated 3 weeks later. Gardenias need little pruning if some erratic branches develop prune them after flowering. Check your Gardenias often during dry weather to see if they need watering