You do live in an area with cold winters (Zone 4 or zone 5 I think) and most gardenias need a mild winter climate as they are hardy to about 20 degrees. There is a hardy gardenia now being sold ('Kleim's Hardy is one) that reportedly has survived to near zero degrees but it is often the wet winter weather and wind that kills off gardenias in your area more than the winter cold. I suggest growing your gardenia is a container in a spot where it will be shaded from the afternoon sun. Gardenias need fast draining but moist soil so add half peat moss or ground bark to the potting soil. Do not plant too deep as roots are shallow and need to breathe near the surface. Mist your gardenia daily during dry summer days as they need high humidity and never let the roots dry out. In winter bring the plant indoors and continue misting often. Growing gardenias is a challenge but the sweet scent of those beautiful white blooms make it worth the effort for many gardeners. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti