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Are Gardenias Perennials? They're Evergreen Shrubs Needing Acid Soil

A gardener asked if gardenias are perennials.

Clarification

Gill explained gardenias are evergreen shrubs/trees—they don't die back in fall, keep leaves, and flower yearly. Critical requirement: acidic soil, or they die. Test soil with a kit from a garden center.

Gardenias are woody evergreens, not herbaceous perennials; acid soil is essential.

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