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How to Care for a Petite Pink Oleander

Petite pink oleander (Nerium oleander) is an evergreen shrub with a compact, rounded shape and pink blooms that adorn the shrub from spring until late autumn. A fast-growing shrub, petite pink oleander reaches heights of 4 feet with a spread of about 6 feet. Petite pink oleander is a low-maintenance shrub that thrives in hot weather and drought. However, the shrub isn't tolerant of freezing temperatures. It is appropriate for planting in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9a through 11.

Things You'll Need

  • Fertilizer for rose bushes or fruit trees
  • Pruners
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Instructions

    • 1

      Water petite oleander regularly during the first spring and summer, keeping the soil moist to a depth of about 6 inches. After that time, oleander requires no regular irrigation, but benefits from an occasional deep watering during periods of hot, dry weather. Water slowly at the base of the shrub and avoid wetting the foliage. Avoid watering in winter unless the weather is extremely dry, as the shrub is susceptible to root disease in cool, soggy soil.

    • 2

      Fertilize petite pink oleander before new growth appears in spring, using a fertilizer formulated for roses or fruit trees. Although fertilizer is beneficial while the plant is young, it isn't absolutely required for mature plants.

    • 3

      Snip spent blooms and stem tips throughout spring and summer to encourage more blooms.

    • 4

      Prune petite pink oleander to maintain the desired size, to remove old, unproductive wood or to remove winter damage. Prune in early spring and avoid pruning in autumn. Because pruning stimulates tender new growth, autumn pruning places the plant at risk of winter damage.

    • 5

      Pull suckers that develop at the base of the plant. Remove the suckers as they appear, as they are easier to remove when they're young. Suckers are unsightly and rob the shrub of moisture and soil nutrients.