Most of us are used to seeing oleander as a lush, bushy shrub in the garden or as a classic potted plant on the patio. But did you know you can actually train this Mediterranean beauty into a “standard”—basically a mini-tree with a tall trunk and a leafy canopy? It’s a total game-changer for your curb appeal, but there are a few tricks to getting it right.
Different Ways to Grow Your Oleander
Oleander is a superstar in the gardening world, but since it isn’t frost-hardy, planting it directly in the ground can be a bit risky depending on your zone. That’s why most of us rely on wintering strategies to keep them happy. Because they are so versatile, you’ll usually see them grown as:
- Potted plants for balconies and decks
- Artistic bonsai specimens
- Elegant “standards” (high-stems)
How to Train an Oleander Standard
To start your own oleander tree, you’ll want to begin with a healthy root division. Carefully divide an existing oleander root ball into several sections, making sure each piece has at least one strong shoot and plenty of healthy roots. Pot these up individually in a good container, and then follow these steps to shape your tree:
- Strip away all side shoots and suckers from the main stem below where you want your “canopy” to start.
- Prune the top branches to encourage a rounded crown. Pro tip: Keep the inner branches a bit longer than the outer ones to create that perfect lollipop shape.
- If you want a really full, bushy canopy, you can use garden twine to gently pull the branches outward, giving the crown more structure.
- By keeping up with this pruning, the plant will focus its energy on filling out the crown rather than just shooting straight up.
- Keep an eye out for any “rebel” side shoots or suckers popping up on the trunk and snip them off as soon as you see them.
Keeping Your Tree in Shape
Just like any other oleander, your standard needs regular haircuts to stay healthy. However, with a high-stem plant, you have to be a bit more disciplined. You’ll need to manage the height of the main trunk and stay on top of those side shoots. If you let them go, your sleek “tree” will quickly turn back into a wide, messy shrub.
Caring for Your High-Stem Oleander
The good news is that once you’ve got the shape down, the daily care is pretty much the same as any other oleander. Make sure your tree gets plenty of water and a steady supply of nutrients during the growing season. Most importantly, find the perfect spot for it—think lots of sunshine, but tucked away from harsh winds and heavy downpours.
