Bottom Of Gardenia Bush Is Bare

Q: I have a question about pruning a gardenia bush. It’s over six feet tall and
the bottom two-thirds is all bare wood. Should I cut it way back to get more
growth from the ground up? 

A: I think severe pruning would be a good idea, but not now. The best time
would be mid-February through mid-March. Shrubs are more likely to sprout
from the dormant buds on the lower trunk during this time of warming
weather. Cut the gardenia back to 12〞 high. Buds will slowly begin growing.
When the new sprouts are 12〞 long, pinch out the tip bud on each one. It will
then resprout and give a full appearance eventually.