Laurier rose Care (Nerium oleander)

Nerium oleander thrives in bright, direct sun but adapts to slightly lower light in hot climates.

• Provide 6–8 hours of direct sun daily; full south or west exposure suits outdoor shrubs in most regions.
• In very hot areas, give morning sun and light afternoon shade to reduce leaf scorch while maintaining flowering of Laurier rose.
• Plants tolerate light partial shade (around 3–4 hours sun), but flowering and density decline if grown in deeper shade.

Watering for Nerium oleander aims to keep soil moderately moist, then allow a partial dry-down.

• Outdoors in the ground, water deeply when the top 3–5 cm of soil feels dry; infrequent, thorough soakings encourage deep roots.
• In summer heat, expect faster drying and watch for dull, slightly curling leaves as a sign to water; in cooler months extend intervals.
• Ensure sharply draining soil; signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and soft stems, while crisp browning leaf tips suggest underwatering.

Stable warmth supports strong growth and flowering for this Mediterranean shrub.

• Optimal growing temperatures are 65–85°F (18–29°C); growth slows below 60°F (16°C).
• Nerium oleander tolerates short dips to about 20–25°F (-6 to -4°C), but repeated hard freezes can kill stems to the ground.
• In hot summers, the plant withstands 95–100°F (35–38°C) if soil moisture is adequate; protect from sudden late frosts in spring.

Humidity is rarely a limiting factor for Nerium oleander in typical household or outdoor conditions.

Nerium oleander prefers mineral, well-aerated substrates that never stay waterlogged.

• Use a sandy or loamy mix with 30–50% coarse materials such as sharp sand, perlite, or fine gravel to keep pores open.
• Aim for slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH (6.0–7.5), which this shrub tolerates well without special adjustments.
• In containers, combine standard potting mix with coarse sand and a small amount of compost to provide structure and nutrients while maintaining drainage.
• Avoid heavy clay, peat-heavy mixes without grit, or any substrate that compacts and holds water around the roots.

This species is well suited to container culture, including patios and balconies, when the pot is prepared for its vigorous root system.

• Choose a deep, heavy container that resists tipping, as mature plants become tall and top-heavy in wind-exposed sites.
• Select thick-walled terracotta or similar porous materials if extra evaporation is needed in wet climates to keep roots drier.
• Raise the pot slightly on feet or blocks so drainage holes stay clear and runoff exits quickly after heavy watering or storms.

Nerium oleander responds well to moderate feeding during the active growing season.

• Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (for example 10-10-10 or 14-14-14) or well-rotted compost in spring to support strong growth and flowering when caring for Laurier rose.
• Feed container plants every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/2 strength.
• Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter, when growth slows and the plant rests.
• Always water before applying fertilizer and avoid getting product on leaves or stems to limit burn risk.

Pruning helps keep Nerium oleander compact, healthy, and flowering well.

• Carry out main pruning just after flowering, usually late summer, so flower buds for next year are not removed.
• Cut out dead, diseased, or storm-damaged branches first, then remove crowded or crossing shoots to improve airflow.
• Shorten overly long stems by up to 1/3 to control size and encourage bushier new growth.
• Use sharp, clean bypass pruners, and make angled cuts just above a leaf node or side shoot.

Container-grown nerium oleander benefits from occasional repotting to prevent root congestion.

• Check for roots circling the pot, emerging from drainage holes, or unexplained slow growth as signs it needs more space.
• Plan to move into a container 1–2 in wider every 2–3 years in late spring, when conditions are warm and stable.
• Gently loosen circling roots, trim broken ones, and set the root ball at the same depth in fresh, well-drained potting mix.
• Water thoroughly after repotting, keep out of intense sun for 3–5 days, and resume normal feeding only once new growth appears.

Nerium oleander is most commonly propagated from semi-ripe stem cuttings.

• Take 10–15 cm non-flowering cuttings in late spring to mid-summer, using clean, sharp pruners.
• Remove lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and insert into a free-draining mix of perlite and peat or similar medium.
• Maintain bright, indirect light, high humidity, and temperatures around 70–75°F until roots form in 3–6 weeks.
• Seed propagation is possible but slower and less reliable for maintaining named cultivars.

Nerium oleander is only moderately frost tolerant and needs protection in colder climates.

• In regions below about 20°F, grow in containers so plants can be moved indoors or into a frost-free garage over winter.
• For in-ground shrubs in mild climates, add 5–8 cm of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it off the stems.
• During indoor overwintering, give bright light, cool to mild temperatures, and water sparingly to prevent root rot.