When to Plant Oleander?

When to plant oleander in open ground?

What is an oleander?

The oleander (Nerium oleander) is a Mediterranean shrub with beautiful flowers in white, pink, or red. It's very popular because it requires little care and its exotic appearance instantly evokes a holiday feeling. But be careful: all parts of the plant are poisonous, so be careful around children and pets.

This shrub loves sun, warmth, and well-drained soil. Ideal for a sunny spot in your garden or on the patio. You can keep it in a pot or plant it directly in the ground, but the right timing is crucial to allow it to acclimate to the soil.

Ideal planting time for oleander in open ground

The best time to plant oleander in the open ground is in late spring, around May or June. By then, the risk of night frost has almost completely disappeared and the soil has warmed up a bit. Be sure to wait until after the Ice Saints (mid-May), as oleander is sensitive to cold, especially when planting young plants.

Choose a dry, warm day or a shady day after a light rain shower. The soil will be slightly moist and easier to work with, without feeling soggy. Ensure a well-draining soil, possibly with hydroponic gravel at the bottom, which you can also order from us here .

Plants in a greenhouse or glasshouse: is that also possible?

In a greenhouse, you can plant oleanders a little earlier, for example, in early April. Because you can maintain a higher temperature, you'll avoid damage from night frost. Do make sure your greenhouse gets enough sunlight, as oleanders won't thrive without at least six hours of sun per day.

Do you have an unheated greenhouse? Then definitely wait until the end of April to plant. And if it's still too cold outside, put the plant in a pot indoors for a while and wait for a warm April week to transplant it.

How to plant an oleander in the open ground

Choose a sheltered spot, for example, against a south-facing wall or wooden fence. Dig a hole at least twice as large as your oleander's root ball. Add some Mediterranean potting soil or sand to improve drainage.

You can also add perlite to loosen the soil. Place the plant upright in the hole, fill with soil, and press firmly. Then water generously so the roots make immediate contact with the soil.

What should you pay attention to after planting?

Watering and location

For the first few weeks after planting, it's best to water the oleander every two to three days, especially during dry spells. Preferably use rainwater, or let tap water sit for a while to warm to room temperature. Water in the morning on a sunny day so everything has time to dry out before evening.

Place your oleander in a spot with plenty of sunlight: 6 to 8 hours is a minimum. A south-facing location is ideal, as it enjoys the most warmth there—just like other sun-loving plants you can find here, such as the Yucca .

Tough winters? Here's how to help him survive.

Although mature specimens can tolerate a fair amount of winter cold, we recommend giving a young oleander some extra protection during its first few winters. You can opt for winter fleece or cover it with plastic and mulch. If you'd rather not take any risks, consider potting your oleander so it can overwinter in a cool, but frost-free spot.

Looking for beautiful matching pots to let your oleander grow in? Then be sure to check out our collection of flower pots .

Combine with other plants

Oleander combines perfectly with other Mediterranean plants. For example, choose a Yucca elephantipes or a succulent like the Kalanchoe . These all prefer a warm climate and well-drained soil, just like oleander.

Want to experiment with tropical accents in your garden? Consider the Bird of Paradise plant , which thrives in pots or greenhouses. This way, you can create a true holiday feeling in your own backyard.

So when to plant?

Brief summary: Oleanders are best planted in the ground between mid-May and the end of June on a sunny, dry day. In a greenhouse, this can be done from early April, if the temperature permits.

Wondering when the best time to plant other plants is? We also have comprehensive guides on olive trees , bamboo , and even hydrangeas .

Want to get started on your garden project right away? Then be sure to browse our collection of outdoor plants or visit our store in Leuven. Together, we'll transform your garden into a Mediterranean dream.