Posted on 18-7-2023 by Nina-Beheerder
How do you prune oleander?
How do you prune oleander? Pruning oleander is not necessary unless you feel it is growing too large. Harsh pruning can be detrimental when it flowers. If it becomes too large, cut it back until it is reduced to a more desirable size. Make sure the majority of the branches you remove is from the old wood. Take the branches back to where you desire new growth the following year using a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears. But do keep in mind that pruning oleander vigorously will mean it produces fewer blooms come next spring. Before you prune think carefully about the shape you wish to give your oleander, ensuring you cut away any excessively long shoots first. For a full, airy bush it is best not to cut any of the main branches. Leave at least a few centimetres of the side branches so that new shoots can grow on the laterals. If you have a shrub that has very long branches growing from the bottom, cut these back to different lengths, leaving the branches in the middle the longest. This way it will maintain a nice, natural shape.
Fertilising oleander
Oleander regularly requires a dose of manure or nutrition during its growth and flowering periods. Preferably add manure or fertiliser rich with iron, magnesium and phosphoric anhydride. Phosphoric anhydride plays an important role in the formation of flowers and is definitely recommended for your oleander.
Propagating oleander
Propagating oleander is best done via cuttings. The best month to take cuttings is in June. To take a cutting, use a sharp pair of garden shears or a knife and trim a stick to a length retaining 2 to 3 pairs of leaves. Make sure you always take your cutting just under a pair of leaves and then remove all of the lower leaves. Plant the cuttings in a mixture of sharp sand and potting soil and place them in a warm, well-lit spot. After a few weeks, the first roots should become visible. It is also possible to root the cuttings in water as well. Cuttings can be potted as soon as they have developed roots
Want to buy an oleander?
