Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Potted Gardenia Zone 5a/b?, 1 by CarolJeanie

CarolJeanie wrote:
I have a potted gardenia plant that I have been successfully overwintering in my unheated attached garage. It has done pretty well---nice green, healthy leaves in summer, and makes lots of fat buds, but most of the buds drop off before they open. Can anyone tell me what I might do or not do in order to get more buds to stay on the plant and open into flowers? The pot has excellent drainage, and I water once a day till water comes out the bottom of the pot. I also give weekly liquid fertilizer---one with a high middle number, like a 9-59-9 or thereabouts.

Any help/tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

CJ