When it comes to picking the perfect spot for your oleander, think “tropical vacation.” These plants absolutely crave warmth and sunshine. In fact, mature oleanders are total sun-worshippers and can handle intense, direct light without breaking a sweat. However, there are a few times when you’ll want to give your leafy friends a little shade.
The Sunnier, the Better
Generally speaking, whether you’re growing your oleander directly in the garden, in a patio pot, or even as a bonsai, you want to aim for the warmest, brightest spot you can find. Under normal conditions, direct sunlight is exactly what they need to thrive.
When to Be Careful
Even though they love the heat, there are two specific times when you should protect your oleander from harsh rays to avoid leaf scorch:
- When the plants are still young and tender.
- Right after you bring them out of winter storage.
Protecting Young Oleanders
If you’ve recently started new plants from cuttings, keep them out of intense, direct sunlight for a while. Their young leaves and stems are pretty delicate and can burn easily. If they get “sunburned,” you’ll start seeing ugly brown spots or even entire leaves turning brittle and brown.
The “Spring Transition” Period
After your oleander has spent the winter indoors, don’t just shock it by tossing it into the bright spring sun. Just like us on the first day of vacation, they need time to adjust! To avoid sunburned foliage, acclimate your plant to the light and warmth gradually. Pro tip: The best day to move your oleander back outside is actually a cloudy, overcast day.
No Sun, No Flowers
Sunlight isn’t just about growth; it’s the fuel for those gorgeous blooms. If your oleander doesn’t get enough light, you’ll notice a much shorter blooming season—or it might not flower at all. If we have a particularly gray or rainy summer, don’t panic! It’s perfectly natural for the plant to hold back on flowers if the weather isn’t cooperating. Usually, you just have to wait for a better, sunnier summer for that floral explosion to return.
If you really want to give your plant a head start (or if you’re trying to get seed pods to ripen), you can “fake” a sunny summer in a greenhouse or a warm sunroom. Using specialized grow lights can provide that extra boost of light and heat your oleander craves.
