Red Oleander

The Red Oleander Tree (Nerium oleander) is a warm weather (yet cold tolerant), fast growing evergreen shrub sought for its beautiful array of red flowers and ability to form a uniquely decorative hedge. The oleander is a full to partial sun loving dwarf variety that matures to a height of 8-12 feet and 6-10 feet wide. The flowering shrub performs best in USDA growing zones 8-10 and is also known to be quite drought tolerant. If you’re looking for something that will offer a stunning array of red color but without a lot of hassle, the oleander makes a fantastic maintenance free addition to your landscape.

HAZARD WARNING: Avoid growing oleanders in areas where children and pets may play regularly. All parts of oleanders are poisonous, even the smoke from burning oleander trimmings is toxic. Avoid any contact with the skin as well as this can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Choosing a location: Oleanders do best with their blooms if planted in a full sun location but the shrub can tolerate some light shade. Remember, be mindful of pets and children that may come into contact with the tree, it can be hazardous.

Planting directions:
1) After you have found your planting area, make your hole three times as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
2) Carefully remove the oleander root ball from the container. Lightly tapping the container around the bottom will help free it up without causing too much damage to the root system.
3) Lightly comb your hands over the root ball to free up the roots a bit before planting.
4) Place your tree in the hole and make sure that the root crown (where the root ball meets the trunk) is level with the soil surface.
5) Tamp down the soil lightly as you back fill the hole to prevent air pockets from forming and then water after you’ve finished to settle the soil.
6) Mulch the area around the tree to conserve water moisture and deter competing weeds and grasses from growing.

Watering: Although considered to be quite drought tolerant, their appearance will greatly benefit from a regular watering schedule during the hot/dry seasons. Take care not to provide too much, yellowing leaves are an early warning sign that excess moisture may be getting to the root system.

Pruning: Before getting anywhere near the oleander, make sure you are wearing protective clothing as well as protective gloves. The red oleander is a beauty, but she comes with some bite to her! Your skin can become highly irritated if the shrub makes contact with your skin. ALWAYS wear protective gear when pruning and dispose of the trimmings by bagging and removing from the property. DO NOT BURN THEM.

Fertilizing: When the tree has become established, fertilizing is typically no longer required. During the first spring you may supplement a balanced granular fertilizer formula (10-10-10) in the spring and fall seasons if your soil is poor.