Red Nerium Oleander, Fresh and Hardy Tree Bush House Plant (60 Seeds) Nerium (07) Oleander is a fast-growing evergreen shrub with fragrant, colorful flowers that bloom all summer and fall. Suitable as a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10, this durable shrub is useful for screens, hedges, accents, beach plantings and urban landscapes. Planted correctly, oleander plants can thrive in locations other plants cannot. Location Oleanders are quite adaptable, but prefer a location that receives full sun. In areas with partial shade, oleanders may still produce flowers, just not as many. Almost any soil type will do, including heavy clay, well-drained sand, marshy plots, and areas with high levels of sodium, chloride and similar salts. For best results, plant in a soil with a neutral pH between 6.5 to 7.5. Mature oleander plants can reach heights up to 20 feet, a consideration to keep in mind when choosing a planting site. Since all parts of the plant are extremely poisonous, locate oleanders away from easy access by pets and children. Timing The best time to plant oleanders is in early spring or fall, although you can plant them any time as long as the ground isn’t frozen. If possible, wait to plant in overcast conditions or in the early evening to give plants time to process the new environment before being subjected to rigorous direct sunlight. Avoid planting oleander shrubs on a windy day to keep from drying out the roots. Planting Dig a hole for each shrub that is as deep and two to three times the diameter of the container or root ball, and slightly above soil grade in unimproved soil. Place multiple plants 6 to 12 feet apart. If the roots are wrapped in balls or burlap, handle the plant gently to keep from disturbing the roots. Create a berm or small hill 2 to 4 inches surrounding the hole to act as a reservoir when it’s time to water the new plants. Plants can be staked to help keep the root mass in place until the roots have grown deep enough into the ground to support the plant. Fertilizing New oleander plants usually don’t require fertilizer, but it can help increase the growth rate and flowering. Use a nitrogen-based fertilizer that is low in phosphorus, no more than 1 pound per 1,000 square feet. Adding one-third organic material, such as peat moss, particularly in sandy soils, can promote water absorption. For potted oleander, a combination of eight to nine parts by volume of a soil-less potting mix to one part sand and one part perlite may be all that is needed. Watering Water plant roots thoroughly right after planting, and always avoid watering foliage to prevent leaf-scorch damage. Normal rainfall should be enough to water the plants thereafter, unless the rate is less than 1 inch a week during summer. In that case, use supplemental watering of 1 to 2 inches weekly. Too much water during cooler months can promote a variety of root diseases like phythium, phytopthora, fusarium and rhizoctonia. This item will be shipped USPS Economy Shipping! First Class shipping option is available.