Pruning oleanders: timing & procedure

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

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

The pruning of oleander is quite uncomplicated. However, keep in mind that the buds for the flowers are already established in late summer of the previous year. So cut back the oleander hard to prevent lush flowering the following year. Here you can find out what to consider when pruning the oleander and how you can protect the buds.

When to cut oleanders?

Oleander can be pruned at different times depending on the goal. Depending on whether you want to do a pruning or a training cut, either late fall or early spring is the right time.

Prune oleanders in spring

Regular thinning and any training cuts should be carried out in spring. Choose an early time to let the oleander freshly groomed into the growing season. Cut back shoots that are too long to the next shoot instead of trimming the tips of all shoots. At the tips are the buds, which are supposed to eventually develop into flowers. Individual unwanted rungs can also be cut out in this way during the summer. With this measure you promote the crown and prevent the plant from becoming too large. Leave the fruits that appear after flowering, because the buds for next year are already developing there.

Prune oleanders in the fall

The time for more radical pruning is definitely autumn before moving into winter quarters. Such a severe pruning is necessary when older oleander plants in particular become bare over time. To do this, cut the logs down to forty to fifty centimeters. It may look brutal, but you will see that your oleander will sprout all the more luxuriantly afterwards. But the root should be healthy for such a ruthless 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 base to thin out the base. Pruning may also be necessary for diseased plants. Cut back these plants only as far as the infestation extends.

Instructions for pruning oleander

Below is a guide to pruning oleanders in spring and fall.

Regular pruning in early spring:

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

Radical pruning in autumn:

• Cut back branches 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 planted; if the roots are weakening, 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 important about the Taking care of your oleander Find out in our special article.

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