From a botanical perspective, establishing the correct planting distance is critical for the long-term health and structural integrity of your oleander (Nerium oleander) hedge. Oleanders are vigorous, fast-growing, evergreen shrubs that can reach substantial dimensions—often growing 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide. Planting them too closely leads to immediate overcrowding, forcing intense competition for sunlight, water, and soil nutrients from the outset. This results in poor air circulation, which is a primary contributor to fungal diseases like botrytis and oleander leaf scorch. Conversely, planting them too far apart defeats the purpose of a dense, continuous hedge. For a robust and cohesive privacy screen, a spacing of 4 to 6 feet between individual plants, measured from the center of one root ball to the next, is ideal. This distance allows each plant sufficient room to establish its root system and develop a full canopy while still growing together to form a solid barrier within a few growing seasons.
Oleander is a quintessential sun-loving species. To thrive and produce its characteristic prolific blooms, it requires a minimum of six to eight hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. Insufficient light will result in leggy, etiolated growth, significantly reduced flowering, and a generally weakened plant more susceptible to pests and disease. Regarding soil, the plant is remarkably adaptable but performs best in well-draining soil. It is tolerant of a wide pH range and can handle poor, sandy, and even slightly salty coastal soils. However, it is absolutely intolerant of waterlogged conditions; consistently soggy soil will lead to fatal root rot. Ensuring excellent drainage is a non-negotiable prerequisite for a healthy oleander hedge.
Regular pruning is essential to maintain the desired form and density of your hedge. The optimal time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring, just before the onset of the new growth season. Oleanders bloom on new growth, so this timing encourages a flush of fresh stems that will bear flowers in the summer. You can perform light shaping and deadheading throughout the summer to encourage further blooming and maintain a neat appearance. When pruning, always use sharp, clean tools and make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node or branching point. It is crucial to note that all parts of the oleander plant are highly toxic if ingested. Therefore, always wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection when handling or cutting this plant to avoid contact with its toxic sap.
Once established, oleander hedges are exceptionally drought-tolerant, a trait derived from their Mediterranean origin. However, during the first growing season, consistent moisture is vital for encouraging deep and extensive root development. Water new plants deeply 2-3 times per week. After establishment, watering can be reduced significantly; deep watering every two to three weeks during prolonged dry periods is usually sufficient. Overwatering is a far greater threat than underwatering. Fertilizer needs are modest. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can support vigorous growth and prolific flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season, as they can promote tender new growth that is vulnerable to frost damage.
