Oleander

Introduction

This fast growing evergreen shrub can reach up to 20 feet tall but is usually seen trimmed at 6 to 10 feet. It forms a rounded mound to about 10 foot wide. It is a tough, versatile plant with showy summertime flowers in white, red, pin, salmon and light yellow. Leathery, lance shaped leaves range from about 4 to 10 inches depending on the variety and are bright green. Oleanders have a tendency to become leggy-overgrown plants and should be pruned as needed to maintain a nice shape.

Use and Management

Use Oleander for screens, informal hedges, colorful accents, beach plantings, and cityscapes. By removing suckers, and leaving just a few stems, Oleander can be formed into very attractive small trees. Oleander is suitable for container gardens and is a fine choice for bringing color into greenhouses and conservatories.

Additional Characteristics

• Soil Moisture: Moist, well-drained
• Soil Types/Tolerance: N/A
• Uses: Screens, informal hedges, accents
• Special Feature: Fragrant flowers
• Special Resistance: Good ability to survive heat and exhaust
• Special Note: Some sources indicate to restrict planting around
  playgrounds or other areas frequented by young children and pets
  due to the toxicity if ingested

Planting

• Available in 3 and 5 gal containers
• Suggested plant spacing are:
• Plant 36” OC
• Bed Preparation:
• Spread 3” of bed mix in ground cover beds
• Till 6” deep, rake beds to drain away from structure
• Plant
• Topdress with 2” of double ground (fine) hardwood mulch.
• Hand water in after planting
• Set sprinkler controller to water beds:
• Once every two days for two weeks in spring and early fall.
• Once a day for two weeks when temperatures reach 98 degree +.
• Have Owner monitor moisture and report over or under watering immediately.
• After two weeks reassess the watering needs, and set at twice a week thereafter.