Pruning Oleander Correctly Is Very Simple

Q. I purchased dwarf oleanders two years ago in five gallon
containers. They are doing fine but are about four feet high. It is my
understanding the plants can be pruned. I need to know the best time to do so
and how far down to go without harming them.

A. Pruning oleander is very simple, much simpler than many
other plants. You can prune them any time of the year without any problems. Having
said that, they are usually pruned during the winter, late winter or very early
spring.

Prune them with a loppers; the one
that has two handles and you have to use both hands. Count the number of main
stems coming from the base of the plant. Identify the two or three that are the
oldest. They will be the largest in diameter.

 Remove these oldest ones within a couple of
inches above the soil. You are done for this year! It takes about ten minutes
and no mess to clean up! If there are some unusually long ones remove them from
the base as well.

Repeat this about two or three
years later. Continue this cycle of removing the largest diameter every three
years or so.

Please do not use any hedge shears
unless you don’t like the flowers. Having said all this, the absolute best time
to do this in southern Nevada is February but you can do it any time without
damaging the plant!