I had 2 Oleander trees given to me yesterday. They are now in pots ready to come indoors for the winter but I'm not really too sure how to care for them! There is conflicting information...some people say they need a period of dark and cool and others say to keep them growing in the sunniest window possible. Anyone have any tips?
Oooh! Congrats on receiving such a nice gift. :-D Welllll :-? , I can't say from experience that "dark and cool" would be harmful, but if true dormancy is the goal, it isn't necessary. Here in zone 8, the Oleanders remain evergreen throughout most winters, They do cease active growth - I suppose it is a state of semi-dormancy. And they do occasionally suffer some amount of die-back if the weather becomes extreme - say with temperatures dropping into the low 20's or teens. On the other hand, further south, where they are truly at home, (in Florida, for instance) they grow and bloom actively all winter long. So, I guess my choice would depend on what sort of space I had available . . . if I had a very bright location (being careful about direct sun through window glass, even in winter) I might give them that spot and hope to encourage some winter bloom. Bear in mind, either way, these are plants that are drought tolerant, and they will not thank you for over-watering.
Thanks Zuzu. I saved 4 from doom as they were in a trailer on the way to the dump! I couldn't believe they were being thrown out...Oleander that size costs a pretty penny in these parts! I have them in a bright room that gets kind of cool when winter hits, but I've read that they like that. I will water very sparingly!
We are talking about the NORTH! Hi We can't leave them outside and there is no sun inside. HELP! I just joined as I found this site as I was googling for info this morning on how to 'handle' the care of my oleanders over the winter. They are a new plant to me this year. Hubby (born and raised in TX and AZ, USA) assures me they are as tough as nails. Yes, but this is Canada. I know I have to bring them inside but this part of Canada lacks sunshine in the winter. (Oh, I miss that prairie winter sunshine!) Come November, the sun disappears behind cloud and doesn't show up until April. Many days we need lights on during the daytime! This part of Canada is very gloomy in winter. I heard that I should put them in a DARK cold cellar (and I am not talking about a basement, that is different) to get them through the winter. Anyone out there to help us with these beautiful plants?? They made me think I was living in a tropical paradise during this summer. I want to do it again next summer. Thanks!
Welcome to our Stew newgrowth .Oleander in the winter here in Texas are so hardy.They are planted at every business around here.I never thought of anyone having problems with them freezing.
I so love the Oleanders that grow here by us. Though we only have the Nerium Oleander here, I can just imagine what the others would look like. We mainly see the white, red and pink ones here. But they are slowly being hacked out as it is classified as an alien invader plant here that threatens the native species. There are few things that compare with the wonderful show of flowers that this shrub produces faithfully season after season and it does not ask for a lot of attention either. They all seem to thrive, even in poor soil. Around here in Cape Town they grow in full sun - on the islands (middle) in the roads. However, I do not know how they will adapt to your climate.
I almost forgot to add The Oleander is rather poisonnous. The whole plant as far as I know of. There are reported incidents of poisoning here when people used the wood of this shrub as barbeque wood and died from inhaling the smoke as the wood was burnt to make coals.
