Typical of the Mediterranean scrub, the Oleander is a splendid ornamental plant widespread throughout the temperate climate area of our peninsula. Thanks to increasingly hotter summers, it has spread widely from north to south. But if in the central-southern part of our territory it survives externally even in winter, in the central-northern regions we must take a little more care. In fact, despite being a very robust plant, it does not tolerate temperatures below 5°C and long night frosts.
Read also: These ornamental plants are toxic: they can cause rashes and intestinal disorders
Here’s what to do to protect Oleander in winter
If we live in an area where winters are harsh, now is the right time to take some protective measures for our potted Oleanders. Let’s look at some suggestions:
Before putting them to rest: prune them
Before sheltering the oleander for the winter, it is advisable to carry out a light pruning. Eliminating dry or damaged branches and slightly shortening the longer ones helps the plant conserve energy during vegetative rest. However, be careful not to overdo it: the most important pruning should be done in spring, after the last frosts. When cutting, always wear gloves as oleander sap is toxic.
Because we don’t have to bring the vase into the house
Let’s not make the mistake of bringing the plant indoors, this species needs to go into vegetative rest and the temperatures in our house would not allow it. We would end up causing stress to her, thus exposing her to diseases and parasitic attacks.
How to care for oleander in winter
The most cold-resistant varieties
Not all oleanders are the same: some varieties are more resistant to cold than others. Varieties with white and light pink flowers tend to be more hardy than those with red or yellow flowers. In particular, the varieties ‘Sister Agnes’ (white) and ‘Pink Beauty’ (pink) are known for their greater tolerance to low temperatures, a characteristic to consider if you live in areas with harsh climates.
Common problems during wintering
During the winter period, pay attention to some signs of suffering:
- Yellowing of leaves: often due to excess water or poor light
- Leaf fall: normal if moderate, worrying if massive
- Dark spots on the leaves: they could indicate a fungal attack favored by humidity
- Branches turning black: possible frost damage, to be pruned in spring
Prevention of winter parasites
Winter is the ideal time to prevent scale problems, one of the most common oleander pests. Before repairing the plant, carefully check the foliage and branches, paying particular attention to the leaf axils. A preventive treatment with white oil can be useful to protect the plant throughout the winter.
When to take it back outside
Towards the end of winter, when temperatures begin to rise, gradually prepare the plant to return outside.
The longer the plant has rested in a cold place, the sooner it will be able to return outside. It is always better to wait until there are no longer long night frosts, but if the plant has survived this period well, it will be able to tolerate even low temperatures as long as they are not prolonged.
- Start removing protections during the hottest hours of the day
- Gradually increase watering
- Resume regular fertilization
- Check if there are shoots damaged by frost that need to be removed”
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