Cutting oleanders: timing & procedure

Cutting oleanders also needs to be learned. We show when you should cut oleander and give helpful tips on how to proceed.

So that the oleander (Nerium oleander) remains nice and compact and blooms profusely if it should be pruned regularly. Fortunately, the pretty ornamental shrubs can withstand a good pruning and are not very sensitive. However, you should not approach a pruning completely inexperienced.

The pruning of oleander is quite straightforward. Remember, however, that the buds for the flowers will be planted in late summer of the previous year. So cut back the oleander severely to prevent it from blooming profusely in the following year. Here you can find out what to watch out for when cutting the oleander and how you can protect the buds.

When to cut oleander

Oleander can be cut at different times depending on the destination. Either late autumn or early spring is the right time, depending on whether you want to cut back or do a parenting cut.

Cut oleander in spring

In the spring, regular thinning and any parenting cuts should be made. Choose an early time to release the freshly coiffed oleander into the growing season. Cut too long shoots back to the next shoot instead of shortening the tips of all shoots. At the tips are the buds, which are supposed to develop into flowers after all. Individual unwanted shoots can also be cut out during the summer. With this measure you promote the crown and prevent the plant from growing too big. Let the fruits that emerge after flowering stand as the buds for the next year will already develop there.

Pruning oleander in autumn

The time for more radical pruning is definitely the autumn before moving into winter quarters. Such a strong pruning is necessary when older oleander plants in particular become bald over time. To do this, cut the logs down to forty to fifty centimeters. This looks brutal, but you will see that your oleander will sprout all the more afterwards. But the root should be healthy for such a brutal measure. In the event of weakness, repot the oleander in fresh substrate beforehand to strengthen the roots. Thin and weak branches can be cut down to the bottom to clear the base. A pruning may also be necessary in the case of diseased plants. But only cut these plants back as far as the infestation extends.

Instructions for cutting oleander

Below are instructions for pruning oleander in spring and fall.

Regular pruning in early spring:

• Cut back too long or weak shoots to the next main shoot
• Do not shorten the tips or fruit clusters, otherwise the buds will be removed as well
• Use gloves to protect against skin-irritating sap
• Unwanted shoots can also be thinned out regularly during the summer

Radical pruning in autumn:

• Cut branches back to 40 - 50 cm; a saw may be necessary for older specimens
• Thinner branches can be cut back to the base
• Only oleander plants with healthy roots should be placed on a stick; If the roots are weak, you should repot the shrub in fresh soil before pruning
• Diseased oleander plants should only be cut back as far as the disease infestation extends

Everything you need to know about the Caring for your oleander you can find out in our special article.

Are you looking for exciting tips and tricks on the subject of sustainable gardening? Then follow us on Instagram and take a look behind the scenes at Plantura.