The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DRAINAGE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
D
R
A
I
N
A
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E
More clues leading to the result DRAINAGE
- New garden incorporating first rate system for channelling water
- Pipes drawn primarily by artist when older?
- Note downpour develop over time and where it ends up
- Daughter has time after shower for removal of water
- Means of removing liquid from crushed gardenia
- Evacuation of shower during day time …
- Way to remove water gardenia badly needed
- Gardenia affected by taking away water
- What sickly gardenia needs?
- Doctor advanced through time channels
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "What sickly gardenia needs" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case what sickly gardenia needs = drainage.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DRAINAGE mean?
DRAINAGE noun- A natural or artificial removal of fluid from a given area by its draining away.
- A system of drains.