I've had luck with Gardenias (yes, they are an inside plant) only when they
have been in cool, bright light. That can be a tricky combination --
usually light = heat. I have an air-conditioned sunroom, where they thrive.
It's cool there in the winter, too. They need to have night time temps
under-65 F to set buds -- but they don't like to be below 45 F or so at any
time. That's a narrow range.

--
-- pelirojaroja
"dangerous redhead"
"waters" wrote in message
...
"Iris Cohen" wrote in message
...
I live in Michigan zone 5

No, gardenia is a greenhouse plant. It is difficult to grow even
indoors.
Iris,

I agree. Tried one, but it perished overwinter (that was in zone 8). The
wind appeared to do the most damage.