The oleander is a flowering tree. If cared for well, its flowers will delight the hobby gardener's eye all summer long. But when the plant begins to wither in August, the question arises: Can the flowering period be extended? Maybe cut off the oleander flowers? We explain whether removing the dead flowers and the pods really achieves the desired effect.
Cut off oleander flowers: When does it make sense to remove the dead flowers?
Oleander is a heavy feeder that grows very quickly. So it's no wonder that flower production decreases after just a few years. In this case, a caring cut is necessary. By the way, this applies not only to garden plants, but also to potted plants.
Pruning is usually done in autumn, shortly before the plant is moved to winter quarters and before the winter dormancy period begins. However, only the older shoots are removed. In August the oleander has already formed the new flower buds. If these are cut off, it will not bloom next year. Therefore, the plant is only thinned out slightly in September and not cut back completely to the ground.
If the oleander has old flowers from last year: cut it off or leave it standing?
Regular pruning saves a lot of time and effort in the fall. It is best to leave flower buds from last year that have not opened. However, you should remove dried flower buds. Instead of cutting them off, pluck them off.
Should you cut off spent flowers?
You don't need to cut off the flowers either. It is completely sufficient if you just pluck the petals. One shoot bears many inflorescences, which bear new flowers one after the other. Therefore, you should under no circumstances cut or shorten the flower shoots - at least until the end of the flowering period, which can be extended until the end of September with good care.
The oleander has long pods: remove them or never cut them off?
The first oleander pods appear in August. The long fruit capsules (about 10 to 15 cm long) contain the plant's seeds. After a period of maturation, the seed capsules burst open and release the seeds. The oleander uses too much energy to form the pods. This can weaken it andmaking them more susceptible to pests and diseases. Therefore cut off the pods regularly. This way you can also encourage flower formation.
Promote flower formation and extend the flowering period through caring pruning in summer
It is possible to promote flower formation through caring pruning. Older plants in particular form many inwardly growing, sickly shoots. The oleander wastes a lot of energy that it actually needs to form flowers. The sprouting weakens the potted plant and flower production decreases. But if you cut off these shoots regularly, then it canOleanderput its power in the flowers.
Cutting oleander: Be sure to protect your hands and arms when cutting
Oleander is a poisonous plant. All parts of the wild plant are highly poisonous. The ornamental plant is also poisonous, although most cultivated varieties are less dangerous than the wild plant. However, you should definitely not underestimate the toxins and take the following protective measures:
1. Whenever you prune the oleander, you should wear gardening gloves and clothing with long sleeves. When cutting with power shears, you should also wear a protective mask so that you do not inhale small parts of the plant.
2. Avoid direct contact between the cut parts of the plant and your skin. Contact could cause skin irritation.
3. Never burn the clippings, even the smoke is poisonous. Dispose of the cut plant parts with household waste.
4. Keep the oleander out of the reach of small children and pets.
5. If you experience symptoms such as nausea and vomiting shortly after cutting the oleander, you should contact your family doctor.
Care tips that will help you extend the oleander's flowering period into autumn
In order for it to bloom long and profusely, the oleander needs a lot of sun, warm weather and regular water and fertilizer. Here are some care tips during the flowering period:
- Always water the oleander from below; the leaves should remain dry.
- The potted plant does not tolerate rain, so always place it in a rain-protected location.
- Water generously with lime-containing water. Do not throw away the water in the saucer.
- Water the plant early in the morning.
If cared for well, the exotic will thank you with a splendor of flowers. However, if it produces fewer flowers than last year or has yellow leaves, then this is a sign of poor care or a pest infestation. Check the leaves for scale insects and signs of oleander canker.
