Plantology
Bring Nature Close Plantology bring you a spotlight on a different plant every month. Some times it is a food plant sometimes a beautiful flower, we mix it up! If you want to know about a specific plant let us know. We are dedicated to giving you new information to Bring Nature Closer to you!
Bring Nature Close to you! Try a new plant to eat or enjoy visually!
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Oleander
- Apocynaceae
Oleanders are marvolus shrubs that grow in a variety of soils. The thing they like the most is a lot of sun and long daylight hours. They are good for sandy soil, clay and high salt content areas. But don't like temperatures below 30 degrees F.
When planting new plants in these areas it is a good idea to add 1/3 of a good planting mix to the planting hole. Water deeply each week, letting the soil dry out in between waterings. Established plantings are basically drought resistant, but will bloom more and longer if water is supplied once a week. Also in high temperature areas foilage watering in the early AM before the temperature gets too high is a plus for the plants.
When planting for a wind break, stake the plants at the base and prune for shape. Remember blossoms come on year old wood. So any pruning will cut back on bloom until the next year. Fertilize in spring and fall with a good mineral based fertilizer.
Aphids, Mealy Bugs and Spider Mites attack Oleander but are easily detered by spraying them off with the hose.
Oleanders make wonderful potted plants for entries or patios. They are easily rooted from cuttings.
One note, Oleanders are very poisonus. Don't let children or pets eat blossoms or leaves!!
So if you live in a deserty or dry area that is relativly frost free and would like a relativly mainanace free plant, this is the one to try!