The flowers of Oleander are in a wide range of colors.Oleander can grow up to 10 feet (3 m) tall.Pruning can make the plant more manageable and force the stems to branch out, which will give it a bushier and more attractive shape.Oleanders are strong plants that can tolerate a good amount of trimming, but you need to make sure that the trimming is done in the healthiest way possible for the plant.
Step 1: Prune in late summer or early fall.
Oleanders don't need regularPruning on the whole.You should aim to do a majorPruning of your Oleander at least once a year during late summer or early fall.Pruning will help you shape your plant.Pruning at this time won't affect the plant's bloom because it is after it has bloomed for the season.Don't trim after October.Pruning too late can cause sections of the plant to be vulnerable during the winter.
Step 2: Wear gloves.
It's important to wear gloves when you are outdoors.Oleander can cause skin irritation and inflammation when handled, and for the most part it's only dangerous when eaten.It's a good idea to wear gloves when handling plants.If you have sensitive skin or eyes, you may want to wear goggles.There is a toxin in the plant's sap.
Step 3: There are shoots at the base of the plant.
New shoots are plants that grow out of the base of a plant.To cut them close to the base, use sharp gardening shears.To remove them, you can dig up the dirt around the shoot and tear them out of the ground.The shoots can be harmful to the plant's overall health because it will start to dedicate its energy into maintaining the shoot instead of investing it in the Oleander.
Step 4: Oleander stems should be about half the height you want for the plant.
You will want to cut it down to size if it's too tall.Cut stems at half the height of the plant to encourage growth and branching.Cut stems at two feet if you want your Oleander to be four feet tall.When the branches grow in, your Oleander will reach four feet.You don't have to cut your plant in half if it's more or less the size you want.
Step 5: Take care of your Oleander.
If you want to change the shape of the plant, you have to cut the stems to the desired heights.When cutting branches, use gardening shears to make a cut.There are three leaves that come out of the branch.The flowering is encouraged by cutting just above the nodes.There are scraggly or overhanging branches that can distract from the natural shape of the plant.The branches should be cut to emphasize the shape of the plant.The area around the base can be left clear if you cut off branches near the bottom of the plant.
Step 6: Every month, check your plant for dead growths.
Prune here and there when you see dead or damaged branches.Pruning will benefit it if it's an old plant or exposed to pests.
Step 7: Put on gloves.
Even if you only do a few clips, you should still wear gloves.Even if you only clipped a few branches, you should wear gloves and wear long sleeves in case you come in contact with the Oleander.
Step 8: Look at your plant from all sides.
Take a look at the shoots and stalks.If it is young, you won't see anything.The bigger the plant, the more sections that are past their prime.
Step 9: Sharp gardening shears are used to cut off damaged branches.
Cut off dead or damaged branches with gardening shears.If you can, cut them a few inches below where the damaged section begins.The branch will not be able to regrowth in a healthy way if you don't cut off the damaged section.
Step 10: The stalks should be cut close to the roots.
The entire stalks should be cut off if the oleander is damaged on its branches.Oleander is very strong and won't hurt the plant if you cut it off.The stalks will be bushier and healthier in the future.
Step 11: Fertilize the plant after it's been trimmed.
Depending on the fertility of your soil, you should aim to fertilize your oleander with a nitrogenfertilizer around one to three times a year.Pruning the plant is one of these times.Oleanders need the right amount of fertilization to grow and blossom.The base of the plant should be covered with an even layer of fertilization.Home Depot, Lowe's and gardening stores sellfertilizer.
Step 12: Water the plant.
After anyPruning, you should water Oleander.Oleander is a tough plant and watering it evenly can help it regrowth.Don't wet the plant, this can be more harmful than helpful.
Step 13: Dispose of the things that were taken.
If touched, the clippings of Oleander can be harmful to the skin.Make sure to dispose of the cuttings in a place where pets, children, and others won't be exposed to them.As you collect the clippings, wear gloves.No part of the plant should be composted.
Step 14: You should wash your hands.
You should wash your gardening shears after you've finished trimming your Oleander.You don't have to worry about skin irritation if you wash your equipment the next time you use it.If you wore gloves, make sure to wash your hands and exposed body parts.