Oleander buds are the promise of those gorgeous, colorful blooms we all love. But every now and then, you might notice your plant being a bit stubborn—the buds might refuse to open or, even worse, start falling off entirely. If you’re wondering what’s going on with your plant, I’ve got you covered. Here is everything you need to know about troubleshooting oleander buds.
The Beauty of Oleander Blooms
Most oleander flowers show off their colors from June through September, giving us a pretty generous blooming season. Of course, the key to that lush, full look is having plenty of healthy buds ready to go. Once they finally pop, those clusters of small flowers really light up the garden.
When Buds Refuse to Bloom
It can be super frustrating when your oleander is covered in buds that just won’t open, turn funky colors, or drop to the ground. There are a few usual suspects behind this, including:
- Subpar location or care habits,
- A summer that’s too cold and rainy,
- Or a pesky fungal infection.
Location and Care Basics
Oleanders are sun-worshippers! They need a spot that is as warm and sunny as possible, along with plenty of water and fertilizer. If your plant is stuck in the shade, sitting in a drafty corner, or feeling hungry and thirsty, it’ll likely protest by dropping its buds before they ever get a chance to bloom.
Dealing with Cold, Wet Summers
To really put on a show, oleanders need a classic hot summer. If the weather stays chilly and damp, the plant might not form buds at all, or the ones it has might stay tightly shut. Don’t panic if this happens—it’s just nature’s way of reacting to the weather, not necessarily a sign that your plant is sick.
If you already have buds but they’re stalling out due to the rain, try moving your oleander into a warm, bright sunroom or a greenhouse if you have one. With a little extra warmth, those flowers might just decide to open up. Otherwise, you might just have to be patient and cross your fingers for a better summer next year!
Black Buds? Watch Out for Fungus
If you notice the buds turning black before falling off, you’re likely dealing with a fungal infection. In this case, your best bet is usually to prune away the affected areas (or give the whole plant a good trim if it’s widespread). To keep this from happening again, try treating your oleander with a specialized fungicide spray in the fall as a preventative measure.
