Gardenias

Are gardinias decidious? I can not fins mites or anything else. I have treated with miracid and Bayer 2-1 systemic. About 1/2 the leaves have fallen through the winter but new shoots are appearing and the tips of the branches are starting new buds or leaves. What may be happening? Stacy

Anne's Response:

Gardenias will loose about 1/3 of their leaves every year but a healthy plant will start putting on new leaves in the spring. Keep the plants watered and use a fertilizer that contains a slow-release nitrogen when the plants start showing new leaves in the spring.