Catalyzes the 2-beta-hydroxylation of several biologically active gibberellins, leading to the homeostatic regulation of their endogenous level. Catabolism of gibberellins (GAs) plays a central role in plant development. Controls the level of bioactive GAs in the shoot apical meristem, which regulates the vegetative to reproductive phase transition. In vitro, converts GA1, GA4, GA9, GA20, and GA44 to the corresponding 2-beta-hydroxylated products GA8, GA34, GA51, GA29, and GA98, respectively. 2-oxoglutarate + gibberellin A1 + O2 = CO2 + gibberellin A8 + succinate Binds 1 Fe(2+) ion per subunit. Expressed in roots, shoot apex, and in the basal region of leaf primordia and young leaves. Plants overexpressing GA2OX1 exhibit extremely dwarf phenotype and are unable to achieve phase transition from vegetative to reproductive growth. Belongs to the iron/ascorbate-dependent oxidoreductase family. GA2OX subfamily.