Try filling a tub with the solution and turning the plant upside down, dunking the whole top (above the roots) in it.

Sorry to hear that your having issues with your Gardenia. My tree is around 5ft tall now, and every fall/winter, it is plagued with spider mites. This year I am hoping it will be different. I have a bottle of Fish Emulsion that actually comes with a sprayer that connects to a hose. You hook it up to your hose and it mixes the F.E.

I have done this with plumeria, citrus, and my Hoya. It really does work but multiple doses work best, meaning I will spray for a few days before bringing them indoors. Also, if you can keep a fan blowing on it, that will help. I have also found that spraying with rubbing alcohol works.

I hope this information helps!

Andrew

kimberh,
If you are still having a problem with the bugs,
go find Organicide.
Look online and see where you can pick up a bottle
near you.
I'm sure you can buy it in Canada.
Then go buy a spray bottle, mix it per instructions, and shake it up real good, you have to mix it up in the bottle.
It stinks, I'm warning you, but the smell will dissapate.
It's totally safe, and you use it every 10 days til all the buggies are gone.
That is the only thing I have found that works on buggies and is safe to spray in the house.
Good luck, and try it.