... or spring is the best time for planting. Plant in light to moderate shade, preferably with minimum ... disturbance. They also grow well in pots. Gardenias prefer acid, moist, well-drained soils. In Phoenix soils, ... to feed gardenias is mid-March, using an acid plant food, fish emulsion or blood meal. Feed the ... , which live in the soil and feed on plant roots. Root rots caused by several different fungi ...