In the Garden with Pat Rubin

Bee garden writer Pat Rubin writes about everything that grows, from flowers and trees to vegetables and lawns. Pat volunteered for several years as a Placer County Master Gardener and has written about gardening for many national and regional publications. In addition to gardening, she spends time raising and showing miniature horses and miniature donkeys.

In the Garden will include news, events, advice and other gardening tidbits. Pat will also answer reader questions.

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March 24, 2008

Repotting a gardenia

Q: How long after buying a gardenia bush should I repot it? I live in an apartment but I have a beautiful ballcony. Should I replant it in a bigger pot?
Heather Britto, Gastonia NC

A: The gardenia can stay in the pot you brought it home in until it outgrows it, unless you want something more decorative. If that's the case, replant it at any time.

I like to leave a plant in its original pot for a few weeks just to make sure it gets acclimated to my garden before I start disturbing the roots and repotting it. After I'm sure it's going to like the spot on my deck where I'm going to leave it, I'll put it in a nicer pot than the black plastic ones the nurseries use.

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