Oleander: Everything you need to know
In a garden, on a beautiful terrace or a balcony, plants are perfect for making the most of your exterior. And if you opt for an oleander? Here’s everything you need to know about this plant before getting one. Word of expert.
Oleander is a colorful flowering plant found mainly in the Mediterranean area. To maintain this plant as it should be, especially in winter, Eric Reduron, Product Manager Flower Market and Nursery at Gamm vert, reveals all his tips. Follow the leader !
What is oleander?
If you’re considering getting an oleander to brighten up your exterior , here’s some information you should know before you buy. Eric Reduron explains that it is “ a completely different plant from laurel, tin or even cherry. The oleander is a Mediterranean plant that fears the cold. It has evergreen foliage, that is to say which keeps its leaves all year round and depending on the species, the flowers can have different colors : red, pink, white, yellow or even salmon. Among the varieties of oleander, some also have the particularity of having fragrant flowers that smell of honey ”.
How to properly care for your oleander?
If you have just acquired a young oleander, you will have to pamper it. Fortunately, it is an easy-care plant. The expert specifies, “ when you want to plant it in a pot, you need a fairly rich soil mixed with a little soil from the garden and a layer of clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot to drain. Then water it regularly but not abundantly, at the risk of drowning your plant. In the ground, also water it regularly but as soon as it reaches maturity, it no longer needs to be watered ”.
In very cold weather , our expert indicates that it must be protected from frost. To do this, he points out, “ if the oleander is in a pot, it must be brought indoors in a bright, unheated room, such as a veranda for example. If, on the contrary, it is planted in the ground, it is simply necessary to avoid that the water does not stagnate which would favor frost. He also advises against feeding your oleander in the winter.
Regarding pruning, “ it is better to prune it every 5-6 years in the spring when it is in the ground ”, he underlines.
How to make the oleander bloom well?
Making your oleander bloom is not a difficult task. You just have to follow the good advice of Eric Reduron. “ In pots, the oleander requires regular fertilizer during the flowering period, which extends from April to September or even October .”
Her little tip: “ In pots, it is better to prune it once every 2/3 years, in the fall when you bring it home, to keep it compact. Thus, it strengthens during the winter period and this allows for earlier flowering . If you prune it in March or April, the flowers will grow very late. Also, don’t prune it in late spring as you may not have any blooms .”
Where to place the oleander?
Oleander is an outdoor plant. So, as Eric Reduron points out, “ we only bring it in in winter if it is potted. The oleander is a plant that must be in the sun and planted in areas that accept it. In other words, areas with a Mediterranean climate or an oceanic climate such as in the west of France. “Do not hesitate to plant your oleander under the sun so that the plant likes it and grows at ease . If you don’t live in these areas, opt for a potted oleander instead.
We also appreciate the oleander in a hedge, in a pot on a terrace or planted in the middle of our garden. “ It’s perfect for a little air of the Mediterranean. And what’s more, it’s reminiscent of the holidays ,” laughs Eric Reduron.
Is oleander an edible plant?
Make no mistake about it! “ Oleander is not an edible plant. It is an ornamental plant “, says the expert. Unlike the oleander, it is the bay leaf that you can use to decorate your small dishes.
” To avoid making a mistake, the wisest thing to do is to seek advice from a garden center near you where specialists can guide you .” It is important to be accompanied by experts and plant lovers.
