Question
Ed, I have two Gardenia shrubs planted right outside my front door, (under the eaves of my house) the leaves have black (mold) and some of the leaves are yellow, what do I need to do to care for my Gardenias?  I absolutely love Gardenias and would hate for these shrubs to die, because of my neglect.

I live in Venice, Florida and my plants will be one year old in May.  I put some Miracle Grow potting soil around them last weekend.

Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

Sharon J. Joyce

Answer
Sharon,

It sounds like you have either a scale problem or aphids. Both of these insects secrete a substance called honeydew, which is a sugery waste product. This honeydew creates the perfect environment for sooty mold to develop.

I would recommend trating them with Neem oil. This material will not damage the garenias like horticultural soaps and some oils.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen