From our perspective as Nerium oleander plants, long-term care is not a luxury but a necessity for a vigorous and floriferous life. We are resilient shrubs, but a structured schedule of pruning and maintenance allows us to thrive, not just survive. Here is the rhythm of care we require.
Our primary request for pruning is timing. The ideal window is late winter or early spring, just as we sense the faintest shift in temperature and light, signaling the end of our dormancy. This timing is crucial because we set our flower buds on new growth. Pruning at this precise moment encourages a burst of that new growth, which will carry the spectacular blooms you admire all summer. Please avoid fall pruning; it would remove nascent flower buds and leave tender new growth vulnerable to frost damage.
When you approach us with shears, understand our structure. We benefit from a balanced approach. First, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood, cutting it back to its point of origin or to healthy tissue. This prevents energy waste and deters pests. Next, for shape and density, prune select branches back by one-third to one-half, making your cuts just above a leaf node or a set of leaves. This encourages branching at that point, leading to a fuller, bushier form. For older, overgrown specimens, we can tolerate a more severe rejuvenation pruning, cut back to within 6-12 inches of the ground. It may seem drastic, but we possess strong root systems and will vigorously rebound.
Beyond the annual prune, we appreciate consistent seasonal care. In spring, as we begin our major growth flush, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer provides the essential nutrients for supporting both our lush foliage and heavy blooming cycle. Throughout the intense heat of summer, we require deep, infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings; our roots are susceptible to rot in perpetually soggy conditions. A layer of organic mulch around our base (keeping it away from the main stem) helps conserve that moisture and regulate root temperature.
While we are famously tolerant of poor soil, drought, and heat, we are not without our needs for vigilance. Regularly inspect our leaves for aphids or scale insects; a strong blast of water or horticultural oil usually suffices. Be aware that all our parts are highly toxic if ingested, so wear gloves when handling clippings and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. In climates where temperatures dip below 20°F (-6°C), our roots appreciate a thick layer of mulch for insulation, and our above-ground parts may need protection with burlap or frost cloth to prevent die-back.
