In order for the oleander to flower properly, it needs the right care. Here you will find everything you need to know about pruning, fertilizing and watering oleanders.
If cared for properly, oleanders (Nerium oleander) develop into real gems and bring the Mediterranean summer straight to your balcony or terrace. So that your oleander can also develop properly, here are the most important tips for proper care.
Caring for an oleander is not difficult. The ornamental shrubs are extremely hardy and vigorous. However, there are a few things you should definitely pay attention to.
Watering oleanders correctly
The oleander is an inhabitant of river meadows and therefore not averse to wet feet. He likes to be watered regularly so that the soil stays nice and moist. It is best to use calcareous, hard water if possible. Only in winter does the oleander prefer it a little drier. You can read more about watering oleanders in our special article.
How to cut oleanders
Although the oleander is quite tolerant of pruning, there are still a few things you should keep in mind. Make larger cuts in the fall before moving into the winter quarters. It is best to carry out smaller routine measures in early spring. But be careful: Even in autumn, the buds are already sitting on the tips of the shoots, which will decide on the flowering power of your oleander in the following year. Find out here how to prune your oleander without losing all the buds.
Fertilize oleander correctly
Oleander grows vigorously and can produce a whole sea of flowers. In order to cope with this feat of strength, however, it needs a lot of nutrients. Regular fertilization every one to two weeks is therefore absolutely necessary. However, stop fertilizing by the end of August at the latest, because the oleander should no longer form new shoots at this time, but should harden the shoots that have already formed and prepare them for the winter. ItWhen fertilizing oleanders, it is advisable to use a long-term fertilizer such as our Plantura organic flower fertilizer. We have summarized all information about fertilizing oleanders for you in our special article.
What to do if the oleander doesn't bloom?
Under certain circumstances it can happen that your oleander does not bloom or only blooms weakly. The most important reason for this may be the location. The oleander reacts to a lack of light and heat with only a few flowers. Over-fertilization or incorrect pruning can also be causes. Find out what you can do if your oleander won't bloom in our special article.
Summary of caring for oleanders:
- Water regularly and keep the soil moist throughout the summer; in winter let the substrate dry above ground before the next watering
- Pruning back in autumn or early spring; however, the blossoms are already sitting at the tips of the shoots
- Fertilize every two weeks from spring to August; in autumn and winter the oleander should not be fertilized
- Overfertilization, the wrong location or a mistake when pruning punishes the oleander with only a few flowers
We have compiled more information about caring for your plant, especially about overwintering the oleander, in this article.