How to Grow Japanese Oleander

Japanese oleander is an evergreen tree or shrub that grows in warmer climates such as Florida and Texas. It blooms fragrant flowers from summer to fall in colors such as pink, lilac, yellow and red. It can grow up to 12 feet tall as a shrub and 20 feet tall as a tree. When growing Japanese oleander in your landscape, make sure they are in an area where children and dogs will not be present. Oleanders are toxic if ingested and the sap may cause skin irritation. Plant the Japanese oleander in the spring or fall.

Shovel
Mulch
Insecticide
Horticultural oil
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Select a location to plant the Japanese oleander that has full sun. It can tolerate most soils as long as they drain well.
- 2
  Dig the hole the same depth as the nursery container but three times as wide as the root ball. Remove the oleander from the nursery container and place it the middle of the hole.
- 3
  Backfill the hole halfway with soil. Water to eliminate air pockets. Finish filling the hole once the water has drained. Water again deeply. Space the next oleander 6 to 12 feet away to allow for growth.
- 4
  Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch around the plant to keep the soil moist as well as prevent weeds and grass from growing.
- 5
  Water a newly planted Japanese oleander on a regular basis during its first growing season to establish the roots. Once established, it is drought tolerant but water during the summer if rainfall is inadequate.
- 6
  Control insects, such as the oleander aphid, with an insecticide or horticultural oil. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application.
- 7
  Prune the Japanese oleander in the early spring by removing damaged, diseased or overgrown branches. After the blooming period, prune again to promote a bushier growth and more blooms, the National Gardening Association recommends. Do not prune in the late fall.

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