The oleander can be led in hedges, isolated subject or even in tree. In the coolest regions, it will be grown in pots under cover. Whatever its use, adequate pruning will be required to get the best out of this fantastic plant.
General information about pruning the oleander
The oleander is a beautiful, naturally bushy shrub that grows beautifully when cultivated in an optimal way. For this, it needs heat, sun and water. Once these parameters are required, it will be appropriate to prune it, knowing that this type of shrub only flowers on the most recent branches. A too drastic pruning will therefore logically compromise the next flowering.
Pruning should only be done on subjects older than 5 years, and only every other year or even every third year, except in the case of the formation of a shrub on a stem which will require the removal of shoots and lateral branches every year.
The different types of pruning
Depending on its use, the laurel can be pruned in various ways but always respecting the principle that this operation must be carried out with care and at the right time.
Stem pruning
A beautiful oleander pruned into a stem will later become a very ornamental flowering tree. To achieve this, it is necessary to prune all the peripheral branches as well as the lateral branches every year in order to keep only the main stem which will grow to become a powerful trunk. This technique is ideal in the gardens of the South of France where the subject will have all the necessary conditions to develop well.
Pruning the bushy oleander
As we have seen, the laurel tends to grow very freely in the form of a spreading bush. The goal will be both to clear the center of the shrub and to reduce its spread. The best time is after flowering in the warmer regions, or in April everywhere else.
Proceed on a subject at least 5 years old. Using the lopper, prune all dead branches at the base. Remove also in the center of the clump the branches which cross in order to let penetrate the light and the air to the maximum in the plant and thus to avoid the installation of parasites. Then cut the end of the oldest stems on 1/3 just above a pair of leaves.
Try to keep a maximum of branches from the previous year to be assured of a beautiful bloom. It is generally recommended to prune only 1/3 of the existing stems per year. Rotate the pruning in the following years in order to keep the shrub in good shape while ensuring future flowering.
Pruning oleanders in hedges
A common mistake is to prune oleanders drastically each year to obtain a straight hedge. However, all the interest of this type of hedge lies in its wild and flowery side during nearly 6 months. The same advice as for the pruning of the bushy laurel will therefore be applied to the hedges so that they are both full and offer an opulent bloom.
Pruning oleander in a container
The purpose of this pruning is to maintain a compact subject in order to winter it easily indoors. Prune in autumn, just after flowering. Remove the dead branches or those that cross and reduce the plant in width and height, but always keeping if possible the branches of the previous year on which the flowers will be formed.
