Oleander (Nerium oleander, butterflower) is a beautiful evergreen shrub with colorful flowers. If not pruned, oleander can grow to a height of 3-6 meters. Pruning will make the size of the plant more manageable and force the stems to branch so that the oleander becomes thicker and looks more attractive. Oleander is a tough plant that can tolerate a large amount of pruning, but you should make sure this is done in the healthiest way for the plant.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Pruning Oleanders Annually
Step 1. Prune in late summer or early fall
Overall, oleander is easy to care for and does not require regular pruning. However, you should make a major pruning at least once a year in late summer or early fall. This pruning will help shape the plant and stimulate healthy growth.
- Pruning at this time will not disturb the flowers because it is done after the flowering period of that season has passed.
- Do not prune oleander after October. Late pruning will leave the newly cut parts vulnerable during the winter.
Step 2. Put on gloves
You should wear gloves when trimming the oleander. Oleander is poisonous and while most are only harmful if ingested, it can cause skin irritation and inflammation when handled. Therefore, wear gloves when trimming or handling oleander.
- Also consider wearing protective eyewear if you have sensitive skin or eyes.
- Watch out for toxins in oleander, especially the sap.
Step 3. Cut off any water shoots growing at the bottom of the plant
Water shoots-also called sucker shoots or basal shoots-are branches that grow upward from the base of the plant. Use sharp cutting shears to cut them as close to the base of the plant as possible. You can also dig up the soil around the shoots and pull out the water shoots to get rid of them.
These shoots can be detrimental to the overall health of the oleander because the plant will begin to devote its energy to growing the water shoots, instead of investing all of it in the main plant part
Step 4. Cut the oleander stalks to about half the height of your desired overall plant
If the oleander is too tall and size is a problem, shorten it by trimming it. Since trimming the oleander will actually encourage growth and branching, cut the oleander stalks in half to your desired height. For example, if you want your oleander to grow to a height of 2 meters, cut the stems at a height of 1 meter. The oleander will continue to grow and reach a height of 2 meters as the branches develop.
If the size of the plant is more or less to your liking, the pruning does not need to be drastic
Step 5. Form the oleander
After cutting the stems to the desired height, decide if you want to change the shape of the plant as a whole. When cutting branches, cut them with sharp cutting shears just above the leaf internodes. An internode is the part where three leaves grow from the branch. Cutting just above the internodes will encourage flower growth.
- Plants may have uneven or sticking branches that interfere with their natural shape. Trim these branches to accentuate the natural shape of the oleander.
- You can also shape the oleander to look like a tree by trimming the branches at the bottom so that the base of the plant looks clean.
Method 2 of 3: Removing Dead Shoots
Step 1. Inspect the plant approximately every month for dead shoots
In addition to annual pruning, you should also prune here and there when you see dead or damaged branches or shoots. Pruning can be useful for removing unhealthy parts, especially if the plant is old or infected with pests.
Step 2. Put on gloves
Even if you're only doing minor pruning, wear gloves when trimming the oleander. Any exposure can cause irritation. So even if it's just cutting a few branches, wear gloves and a long sleeved shirt in case you get scratched.
Step 3. Observe the oleander up close and from all sides
Watch for shoots or stems that appear dead. If the plant is young, chances are there won't be any dead parts. However, the older and larger the plant, the more parts it will have past its prime.
Step 4. Remove damaged branches with sharp cutting shears
Use sharp cutting shears to cut off dead or damaged branches of the oleander. Cut a few inches below the point where the damage started. If you don't cut off all the damaged parts, the branches won't grow back in a healthy way.
Step 5. Cut off any damaged stems that are close to the roots
If the oleander is not only damaged on the branches, but the entire trunk, cut off the entire stem. Oleander is a very tough plant. So even if the entire stem is cut off, the plant will be fine. In the end, these stems will grow back thicker and healthier than ever!
Method 3 of 3: Finishing the Pruning
Step 1. Fertilize the plant after pruning
Give nitrogen fertilizer about 1-3 times a year, or even not necessary at all, depending on the level of soil fertility. One of these fertilizations should be done after the annual pruning. Oleanders will need the nutrients the fertilizer provides to regrow and flower.
Spread an even layer of fertilizer around the base of the plant. Fertilizers can be purchased at plant stores or online marketplaces
Step 2. Drizzle the oleander
Oleander should also be watered after pruning. While oleander is a tough plant known to survive in hot climates, even watering will help the plant grow back. However, do not let the water stagnate because instead of helping, this is actually dangerous.
Step 3. Remove any trimmings
Even a piece of oleander can irritate the skin when touched, or be potentially harmful if swallowed. Make sure all trimmings are collected in a large bag and disposed of in a place out of reach of pets, small children, or other people.
- Wear gloves when collecting pruning marks.
- Do not compost any parts of the oleander plant.
Step 4. Wash your utensils and hands
When you're done trimming, wash the shears, cuttings or any equipment used to trim the oleander.
- By washing it, you ensure that the utensils don't risk skin irritation from the oleander sap when reused later.
- Even if you wear gloves, wash your hands and other exposed body parts, such as your arms or legs.
Tips
- Consider what you want your oleander to look like in relation to the surrounding plants. If the oleander gets in the way of other plants, prune it.
- Don't be afraid to trim the oleander drastically. Oleander is a tough plant and can be massively reshaped.
- If you don't see any dead or damaged areas and are happy with how the oleander looks, you don't need to trim it. Oleander does not require pruning.
Warning
- Protect the skin when pruning and make sure all who might touch the oleander know that the plant is poisonous.
- Toxins from the oleander plant can remain in the compost for more than 1 year. So don't compost any part of the oleander plant.
- If you, your pet or children accidentally ingest oleander, seek medical attention immediately.
