Growing Oleander Bushes
- 1). Determine your local gardening zone and select the type of oleander bush that thrives in your particular area.
- 2). Prepare the ground in fall or spring. Oleanders produce the most blooms when planted in full sun. Full sun is defined as any area receiving a minimum of six hours of sunlight each day.
- 3). Dig a hole only as deep as the oleander's root ball and three times wider, using a shovel. Place the removed dirt into a pile and add one-third peat moss. Mix the peat moss into the pile of dirt with the shovel.
- 4). Remove all nursery packaging, such as burlap sacks, and place the oleander bush into the hole. Push the mixed soil into the hole so it fills halfway. Soak the hole with water. Backfill the hole with the remainder of the dirt to plant the oleander bush at the same level as it was in its nursery package.
- 5). Cover the surrounding soil with a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch, which can include pine needles and wood chips. Keep the mulch at least 3 inches away from the stem of the oleander bush.
- 6). Water the oleander bush a second time when the planting is filled and leveled. Water the oleander bush when the soil dries. During extremely hot and dry weather during summer, spray the blooms with a light mist in the early mornings to avoid flower wilting.
- 7). Prune the oleander bush with pruning shears after the flowers have bloomed. Lightly cut the branches back on the oleander bush to create ornamental form and encourage a flower surge for next season.
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