Oleander
Oleander (Nerium) is an evergreen flowering shrub that produces breathtakingly beautiful and vibrant flowers in a wide variety of colors from white and yellow to deep pinks, purples, and reds. It's a popular, easy to care for plant that will thrive in almost any condition. It can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 8 feet tall and widths of 6 feet wide. Oleander does well in full sun and can tolerate shade and dry conditions, making it an ideal pick for warmer climates. It's not picky when it comes to soil types but prefers well-draining loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The most unique aspect of this plant is its ability to thrive in wet or dry conditions, both in the ground or a container.
In warmer months, Oleander should be watered on a regular basis as the soil needs to remain consistently moist. If grown in a container, it’s important to keep in mind that the container size and environment can affect how often the plant should be watered. For potted Oleander, check the top inch of soil for moisture before watering. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. In cooler months, the watering schedule should be reduced to about once a week.
Oleander likes plenty of light and will flower more and have more vibrant colors if in full sun. If it’s grown in gardens, it should be planted in an area with daily full sun. Oleander can tolerate some shade, however, if it’s grown in a pot, it’s best to place it in a location with indirect sunlight and away from caustic wind. In cold months, artificial light can be used to supplement sunlight.
Oleander can handle temperatures as low as 25°F (-4°C). For optimal growing, oleander prefers to be in temperatures ranging from 65-90°F (18-32°C) as oleanders will go dormant in colder temperatures. If planted in cooler temperatures, it is recommended to place the oleander in a sheltered location, with protection from cold winds.
Oleander is not overly sensitive to humidity levels, but during dry spells, it will require additional hydration. Placing the oleander in a humid room such as a bathroom or adding a pebble tray to its location with a few drops of water will help keep the leaves moist. If the leaves start to brown, it’s likely a sign of dehydration.
Oleander prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 - 7.5. The soil should be kept moist but not saturated and any areas where the plant may be sitting in water should be avoided. The soil should also be slightly chunky in order to provide adequate drainage and allow essential moisture to filtrate down to the roots.
Oleander needs only minimal fertilization. For best results, fertilize your Oleander with a well-balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen during the growing season, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks in the warmer weather and less through the winter months. However, it's important to note that too much fertilizer can cause Oleander to be overly leafy and devoid of flowers. If this happens, the fertilizer can be cut back or stopped until the plant is vibrant and healthy again.
Oleander is a relatively hardy plant that isn’t too prone to pest infestations. However, common pests that will affect oleander are aphids, mealybugs, and mites. If these pests are spotted on the plant, the best tactic is to use a natural knockdown pesticide or soap and water mixed at a ratio of 1 tablespoon of soap to a gallon of water, spraying the entire plant and underneath the leaves. It's important to be sure to get the pests underneath the leaves as this is where they commonly hide. The application of this mixture should be repeated every 3-4 days until the pests are eradicated.
Oleander generally doesn’t need to be repotted often as it can tolerate high levels of root restriction. Repotting should be done every two to three years and it's recommended to use a well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. If you plan on repotting, the best time to do so is in the Spring before the plant begins active growth.
Oleander can typically take just about any amount of pruning and will not suffer for it. The pruning should be done before spring to allow plenty of time for new growth. When pruning, make sure to snip the stems in an angled direction. Cut no more than a third of the plant and be sure to discard any dead, diseased or broken stems.
Mulch can help keep the soil moist and also help to keep weeds away. The mulch should be organic, such as bark or shredded leaves and should be applied at least twice a year – once in spring and again in summer.
Oleander is fairly easy to propagate. To propagate Oleander, take 2-4 inch semi-hardwood cuttings off the parent plant in summer or fall. Place the cuttings in a jar of water for a few days and then transfer them into moist, sterilized soil. Keep the soil damp and warm and the cuttings will begin to root within a few weeks.
If your Oleander grows taller than 5-6 feet, you may need to provide support to help it stay upright. Use stakes and cross bars or cages to provide support for taller plants.
Oleander typically does not require a rest period; however, colder temperatures in winter may slightly reduce its growth but this is normal. If the leaves turn yellow or you notice signs of stress or rot, this is likely a sign that your plant needs more light.
It’s important to remember that Oleander is highly toxic and can cause illness and death if ingested. It is important to keep it away from children and pets and take caution when pruning or handling the plant.