Oleander is an evergreen shrub, or if left unattended, it can become a small tree. It can grow 4 to 5m tall. It is a member of the dogbane/Apocynacea family of flowering shrubs and trees. It is also known by names such as La Adelfa, Rose Laurel, Rosebay, Olean and many more. But it is most commonly known as Oleander and it is a wonderful, rewarding shrub to cultivate with spectacular blooms.
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Oleander has a broad native base stretching from Morocco to Portugal and throughout the Mediterranean region. It grows in South East Asia and it is seen in great floral splendour along the highways of California. Dust and dirt from passing traffic does not seem to deter the eye-catching red, pink and white blossoms. It is also possible, but difficult, to find an Oleander in either salmon or light yellow. It does well in subtropical regions and naturalizes easily. They are a favorite sight in Galveston, Texas.
This evergreen shrub is easy to grow. It is vigorous and enjoys low maintenance. It is very drought tolerant and can survive for weeks without water. Its roots are strong and aggressive and it is best not to plant an Oleander too close to a dwelling. When planting an Oleander choose the site carefully as trying to remove it after a few years growth will be extremely difficult. The only way to remove it is to destroy it. Oleanders are very useful as a screen, separating neighbors, covering unsightly areas of the garden or just for use as a hedge anywhere.
It is possible to grow Oleanders from seed but it is difficult and the easiest method is to buy a shrub from a garden center and take cuttings from it. Later when the shrub matures it is possible to gather the seed pods, but more often than not for the ordinary gardener, the pods split open before they are harvested and the seeds float away. Taking cuttings in September is more foolproof and it is easy. The cutting can be taken from either the hard wood or from the tips. Make the cutting about 6″ long and remove the lower leaves. Cut the upper leaves to about 1″ long. The cutting can either be placed in water to root or can be dipped in rooting powder and placed in a sand compost. Either way will more than likely be successful and roots should appear after about two weeks. At this stage plant up the cuttings into a good compost and they should be ready for planting out the following spring.
Pruning makes it possible to create an individual Oleander. Pruning can be fun and it is best done in September or early October. In some case it is necessary to be brutal with the flowers and just cut them. Some Oleanders, especially ones in the perfect conditions appear to just want to continue flowering endlessly – so pruning is a must. Oleanders are leggy shrubs and the lower part of these legs can be cleared of leaves and tied together leaving the upper part full and spreading like an umbrella. Pruning can also be done in the traditional method in order to keep the shrub in check. Cut back as much as is necessary and the new growth will be covered with the familiar flowers the following year.
Oleander is poisonous and can be fatal to humans and animals if ingested. Even the sap is poisonous so wear gloves when pruning. Because of its toxicity Oleander should not be cultivated in gardens with young children.
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