To keep your oleander looking its best, you’ll want to give it a light trim every now and then to clear out old or weak branches. A great time to do this is right before you tuck it away for the winter.
Pruning is a Must
If you want a lush, bushy plant, a regular oleander pruning session is non-negotiable. By giving it a light “maintenance cut”—basically removing any weak or dead wood—you’re helping the plant save its energy. This way, it can hit the ground running with fresh new growth once spring rolls around.
Regular trimming also prevents that “leggy” look where the plant gets bare at the bottom. You see this a lot with older oleanders that have been left to their own devices, but a quick cleanup is an easy way to keep yours looking full and healthy.
The Best Times for a Light Trim
Ideally, you should aim for a light pruning at one (or both) of these times:
- Right before moving it into winter storage.
- And/or right after bringing it back outside in the spring.
Pruning Before Winter Storage
When you’re prepping for winter storage, remember to keep it light. It’s common for plants to suffer a little bit of winter damage while indoors, so you’ll likely need to do another quick cleanup in the spring anyway. If you cut it back too aggressively in late fall and then have to trim it again in March, your oleander might end up a lot smaller than you intended!
Stick to removing only the weak or dead stems before winter. Avoid heavy hacking, and definitely leave those healthy, well-developed branches alone. If you feel like it still needs more work, you can always finish the job in the spring.
Plus, keep in mind that oleander blooms grow on two-year-old wood—so try to leave those buds intact if you want flowers next season!
Safety First: Watch Out for Toxicity
One quick heads-up: oleanders are toxic, so you’ve got to protect your skin. The sap that oozes out when you cut the stems can cause some nasty skin irritation. Always wear a good pair of gardening gloves and long sleeves to keep your hands and arms safe while you work.
