Oleander Plant

Growth Habits

The Oleander is a fast growing, perennial, evergreen tree or shrub, reaching maturity in about 20 years with a maximum height of 12 feet.

Several varieties are available that produce fragrant flowers in shades of apricot, pink, lilac, red, yellow and white throughout the summer and into fall.

Tolerant of drought conditions and sandy soils, it is best suited to the west coast and southern states. Provide full sun to light shade for best flowering, and well-drained soil.

But be cautious; despite its beautiful flowers and fragrance, the entire plant is poisonous to humans and animals if eaten, and the sap can cause skin irritation.

Do not add oleander to your compost heap or use as firewood, as the fumes are also dangerous.

Selecting a Plant

Select Oleander plants that have dark leaves, thick stems and are bushy. Watch out for aphids and mealy bugs when buying, and avoid plants that are pot bound.

Select a variety that suits the area where it will be planted, for soil and sun exposure. If you are buying plants by mail from outside of your region, acclimate the plant over several days before planting.

Planting and Propagating

Oleanders should be planted after they finish blooming in September. If they are still blooming, cut off the blooms and plant. Dig a hole two to three times the diameter but only as deep as the container.

In sandy soil, add peat moss for water retention. Build a burm by mounding the dirt in an outward slope about a foot away from the plant's trunk and two to four inches high. Add water to the reservoir created.

Provide a support to keep plant erect with the use of guy lines, three lines extending from the trunk to anchors in the ground around the tree.

Care and Maintenance

If prepared and planted properly, oleander plants are easy to care for. They will tolerate some drought once established, but may show limited growth and flowering. During drought conditions, provide one to two inches of water per week to encourage healthy growth.

Mist the foliage during hot or windy weather. Regular lawn fertilizer usually provides all the nutrients the plant needs throughout the growing season.

However, if leaves appear to be lighter in color or small, or if flower production is reduced, fertilize the plant. Otherwise, early spring and early fall fertilizing is all that the oleander plant requires.

Prune just above leaf nodes or joints to create a bushy plant. Where you had three leaves, you'll get three new branches. This in turn creates more flower clusters, as they are produced on the tips of new wood.

With its stunning array of colors, fragrant scent and long flowering period, the oleander plant is a beautiful addition to any garden.

If you are lucky enough to live in a climate that is suitable to its growth, add a variety of two to your landscape and enjoy the scene.