Oleanders

[Mary Byrne]

When is the best time to cut them back?

[Nancy]

Mary, Oleanders are real show stoppers in bloom. They do not require cutting back unless there is a space issue. Beware, many are alergic to this plant and even if not, brushing up to it will cause skin irritation. Many will shear them down before the pods mature, after blooming. The plant will require mulch for protection of extreem cold.

[Mary Byrne]

Thank you so much. I have lived in apartments for over 21 years and just bought the cutest home. The oleanders have grown so tall they are over the fense and have no shape to them.

[Ann Mussinan]

Mary,

Also, Oleanders are poisonous to domestic animals (wild animals & birds have more common sense) and Nancy is more than correct in her allergy warnings for humans. When I first moved here, I fell in love with the Oleander bush and thought it would solve several landscape issues at a low cost but it wasn't to be. But, the bush does have beautiful flowers, so just make sure you wear protective clothing including gloves if you work around the bushes and wash the clothing and gloves seperate from other laundry.

[Mary Byrne]

Thank you Ann for you response, I have read about how poisonous they are. I live alone and have no pets at this time. However, these plants are too tall and really need to be trimed back. Right now they are in full bloom and are beautiful.

[Chica de Flor]

Most of my references say to prune your oleanders in the fall. I am no expert, but it has been my experience living in West Texas, that waiting until the last frost in the Spring works best for me...that way I can cut off any foliage that has burned from the winter. I have had mine about 7 years...they are very hardy and I haven't killed them yet.

I found this link that might be helpful to you also.

http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Pruning.html