I have a gardenia in a location where it does not need to be pruned to control size but was wondering if pruning is recommended. I don't want it to thin on the interior. If appropriate, what is the best way to prune it and how often?
Thanks for the advice in advance.
Bruce

Hi Bruce,
Gardenias do quite well without pruning. Prune gardenias after they have finished flowering. This is usually in May or early June. Prune late flowering varieties after flowering is finished. Dead branches can be removed at any time. For severe pruning to reduce size, you can thin it by taking some of the branches all the way down to the ground like you would a lilac and removing the tops of the taller branches.

You can pinch new growth in spring and early summer, after bloom, to keep it fuller as well.

Newt