If possible, do not water oleander with rainwater
Many gardeners prefer rainwater to water their plants. This lime-free water is free and is also the best choice for many garden plants that are sensitive to lime. But not for the oleander, because it cannot tolerate rainwater! For this reason, it is best to use stale tap water that has been preheated by the sun to take care of your oleander bushes. Rainwater only leads to acidification of the substrate, whereupon the roots of the Mediterranean shrub are blocked and no longer transport sufficient water and nutrients into the above-ground parts of the plant can.
also read
- It is essential to water oleander in winter too
- Cut back oleanders before overwintering
- Oleander delights with long-lasting flowering
In summer the oleander likes it as wet as possible
In his homeland the oleander thrives Especially on rivers and streams that are regularly flooded and so ensure plenty of wet feet. The bed often dries out over the course of the summer, but the roots of the shrub are often up to reach into the groundwater or other underground water sources and thus supply themselves adequately can. This self-sufficiency is not possible in the bucket, which is why you should water your oleander regularly and often and also always leave water in the saucer. On hot summer days it can happen that the shrub has to be watered up to three times.
You shouldn't forget to water the winter quarters either, although the oleander is no longer as thirsty in the cold season as it is in the hot summer. As a rule, it is enough to take care of the shrub once or twice a week.
Tips
During the growth phase fertilize the oleander ideally at the same time as the irrigation water (for example, by using liquid fertilizer), as this is the quickest way for the nutrients to reach the roots.
