Oleander care: Essential tips for wintering plants

To ensure oleanders survive the winter and bloom again in the spring, specific care must be taken regarding temperature, light, and moisture. These plants should be moved indoors or to a sheltered area by mid-November or as soon as frost begins.

Ideal overwintering conditions include a cool, bright space with temperatures between 2 and 10 degrees Celsius, such as a bright basement, a garage with a window, or a cool hallway. Keeping the plant in a warm room (around 20 degrees Celsius) is discouraged, as it prevents the necessary dormancy period and can cause the plant to exhaust itself.

Watering is a critical factor; overwatering is a more common cause of death than cold. Watering should be gradually reduced starting in late summer, and during winter, the soil should be kept only slightly moist to prevent root rot. Additionally, gardeners should avoid pruning faded flowers in the autumn, as new flower buds form on the ends of these stalks throughout the season.