The oleander is one of the most popular potted plants for the garden and terrace and is also very robust. In addition to the right location, the plant doesn't need much more care to thrive and reward the gardener with lush blooms. However, there are some care mistakes that can result in a lack of flowering. Is your oleander not blooming? Take a look at the possible reasons and what you can do to get the plant to bloom again.
The oleander is popular because of its very long flowering period. It shows its beautiful flowers in a wide variety of colors from early summer to autumn, as long as the conditions are right. With proper care, the shrub blooms tirelessly and adorns our gardens from June to September. Some reasons, such as radical pruning in spring, can lead to delayed flowering, but if the plant still does not produce flowers or buds in August, then you should find the cause and correct the problem.
The oleander doesn't bloom: why is it?
The oleander bush is known for its beautiful flowers, but if improperly cared for, the Mediterranean plant can punish you with weak or absent flowering.
The most important thing in brief
The most common reasons oleander doesn't bloom are over- or under-watering and too much fertilizer. Insufficient sunlight, competition for nutrients, improper pruning, pests and plant diseases can also cause oleander not to produce flowers.
Oleander will not bloom properly in the wrong location
The Mediterranean shrub loves sunny places and needs lots of light and warmth to thrive. If it is positioned incorrectly and does not get enough sun and warmth, it may not bloom or only bloom sparsely. Since the oleander is usually cultivated as a container plant, a change of location is usually not a big challenge. Choose a sunny spot in the garden, for example on the southern wall of the house or stone wall, where the plant is provided with sufficient heat and light.
Missing flowers as a result of over-fertilization
In order to bloom profusely, the Mediterranean shrub not only needs sun, but also lots of nutrients. Many, but not excessively, and the right ones. If the location is right, over-fertilization can be the reason for the lack of flowering. If the shrub receives too much nitrogen, it puts its energy into growing the leaves. To determine whether you are fertilizing your oleander too much or incorrectly, look closely at the leaves: in this case, their edges will turn brown.
Not enough fertilizer or water
If the oleander grows profusely but does not produce flowers, then the plant may also be suffering from a lack of nutrients or water. During the flowering period mustOleander fertilized once a weekand be supplied with plenty of water. In normal summer temperatures it is sufficient to water once a day, although the shrub should be watered two to three times a day in the hot days of July and August and during heat waves.
Oleander does not bloom: incorrect pruning is the cause
When the first flowers of the flowering plants fade, many people grab scissors and cut off the entire inflorescence including the flower buds. However, this is a big mistake that can cost the oleander subsequent flowering. With this shrub, the new flowers form at the tip of the old inflorescence, which is why it should never be cut off.You should only pluck off what has fadedto make room for the new flowers.
No flowers due to excessive pruning in spring
Have yoursOleander radically cut back in spring, then this can lead to vegetative growth. This means that the plant invests its energy in new growth and forms fewer or no flower buds. Although the new shoots may also flower, this may not occur until late in the season, so a lack of flowering may be observed in mid-summer.
Competition for nutrients and water
If you plant other garden plants and oleanders together, the roots of the other plants may invade the oleander's root zone and compete for nutrients. This can result in weak or no flowering.
If possible, avoid interplanting with competing plants or with plants that spread their roots too far. It is better not to plant oleander in the outdoor bed, but rather leave it in the pot. This makes it easier for you to control water and fertilizer doses.
If branches of another tree overshadow the oleander, cut them back so sunlight can reach the Mediterranean plant.
How to make your oleander bloom
Since oleander is a heavy feeder (i.e. it has high nutrient requirements), it must be regularly supplied with the appropriate fertilizer. In addition to specialOleander fertilizerYou can also fertilize the plant with coffee grounds once every two weeks. This natural fertilizer contains valuable substances such as potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus, which are responsible for flower formation.
Please note:From the end of August you should no longer fertilize the oleander to avoid frost damage. From this point until overwintering, only watering is carried out.
