where is it.. that isnt MI ... lol

ken

Where is it??? I live in Ga.

Where is it located? That would help a lot. (EDIT: Ok, looks like you said you were in Georgia -- but even where in GA would probably be helpful).

It looks like one of the hardier, smaller-leaved gardenias....like Frostproof or similar. Of course you can't really get close to a cultivar name without blooms. Post a photo of it in Spring when it blooms.

This post was edited by dave_in_nova on Sun, Dec 7, 14 at 19:21

gardenia.

A longshot, but my first impression upon seeing the photo was Billardiera heterophylla. I have no idea if Billardiera is generally available in GA, or would even grow there.

I live in Lawrenceville Ga.zone 71/2 I thought Gardenis had a much darker leaf.

zone 71/2

i.e. 7b.

Zone 7b. Thanks

Gardenia foliage color is very dependent upon the pH of the soil, for one thing. Soils deficient in iron and/or other essential elements can also cause the off color.

Is this brand new construction? I'm shocked at the terrible fill I've seen used on residential and commercial sites.....awful borrow-pit stuff.

I'd suggest that your first step should be soil testing. I've attached a link that will help you contact your local county UGA Extension office for assistance in collecting samples and sending them off.

Some offices will test just the pH in the office. Don't rely on home kits, which are notoriously inaccurate.

Here is a link that might be useful: UGA Extension.

OK Thanks for the info onfo. BTW: It is new construction and that is brown mulch.

Gardenias can also exhibit different colored leaves (shades of green) in winter vs. summer and in sun vs. shade.

Sun in cold winter weather can 'bleach' leaves to a lighter green. But it's usually worse up here in zone 7A than in 7B.

In your gardenia's case, it could be from lack of nutrients, or lack of soil acidity. Or your plant may just not be established yet. Not sure. I'm not a gardenia expert.

But I'd consider fertilizing next spring.