Beginner Gardening: Whats wrong with my Gardenia, 1 by hooger

hooger wrote:
I planted this Gardenia in May in a shady spot with plent of water. It seemed to be alright through June but July and August have resulted in the leaves turning brown. The stems are still green under the bark. The leaves have not fallen off but are leathery and brown. I removed the plan from the ground and put it in a pot so I could move it to a morning sun area on my deck. I live 40 miles north of Houston. Any ideas why this is happening, and can I save the plant. Thank you