Oleander

Carol 83

Carol 83

Flower Girl
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Just wondering if anyone has tried to do anything with oleanders. I know they are more a shrub, than a tree. My daughter gave me a braided oleander for Mother's Day one year, that was three different colors braided together. For 4 years I drug it in every winter, then back out in the spring. It got to be about 7 ft tall. It was fine until the 5th summer, developed a bad case of scale. By the time I found something strong enough, it was too far gone to save. All I have left of it is a few cuttings. When we were in Florida this summer, I was amazed at the size and different color variations of the landscape oleanders there. I was wondering if any of the Floridians here might have some in your yard I could get some cuttings from? They root easily in a glass of water. I'd be happy to pay for some. Not necessarily for bonsai, I just like them, and they're hard to find around here.
 
They're rather toxic, so I wouldn't want one containerized, much less as bonsai if their growth habits were conducive.
They're prolific though, so I bet you'll get someone here who has them, but be careful handling it!
 
Brian Van Fleet said:
They're rather toxic, so I wouldn't want one containerized, much less as bonsai if their growth habits were conducive.
They're prolific though, so I bet you'll get someone here who has them, but be careful handling it!
Click to expand...
Thanks. I never had a problem with it, just washed my hands after pruning in the fall. Makes you kind of itchy. We had a dog and cat at the time, and neither ever went near it. It's just kind of a sentimental plant to me.
 
Carol 83 said:
Just wondering if anyone has tried to do anything with oleanders. I know they are more a shrub, than a tree. My daughter gave me a braided oleander for Mother's Day one year, that was three different colors braided together. For 4 years I drug it in every winter, then back out in the spring. It got to be about 7 ft tall. It was fine until the 5th summer, developed a bad case of scale. By the time I found something strong enough, it was too far gone to save. All I have left of it is a few cuttings. When we were in Florida this summer, I was amazed at the size and different color variations of the landscape oleanders there. I was wondering if any of the Floridians here might have some in your yard I could get some cuttings from? They root easily in a glass of water. I'd be happy to pay for some. Not necessarily for bonsai, I just like them, and they're hard to find around here.
Click to expand...
We have them in the yard at my parent's beach house.. They do OK on the coast here but further inland where I live... I haven't had luck. Too cold one Winters.. And I am not a "bring it in for the Winter" kind of guy. Sink or swim at my house- Sold my last two tropicals this year!
 
Oleander is one I have never tried. In the ground, in Florida or where they grow okay outside, I never saw one look even remotely tree like. I think the lack of responses tells you they don't make good bonsai. You can use bonsai techniques to help keep them attractive house plants, but other than the root pruning to keep size down, and the occasional trimming back to keep them window sill size. Inside for winter, out for summer, and prune back so it fits back inside for winter as a houseplant is the best use of the species.
 
I would burn them in fire if it wasn't so toxic, I dislike these quite a bit.

'Orrible, poisonous, bug infested, noxious, invasive pests.
Pretty though.

They root easily from cuttings, a glass of water can work or in a normal pot and potting mix with a plastic bag over. Grow like weeds, hard to kill so you should be OK.
 
Leo in N E Illinois said:
Oleander is one I have never tried. In the ground, in Florida or where they grow okay outside, I never saw one look even remotely tree like. I think the lack of responses tells you they don't make good bonsai. You can use bonsai techniques to help keep them attractive house plants, but other than the root pruning to keep size down, and the occasional trimming back to keep them window sill size. Inside for winter, out for summer, and prune back so it fits back inside for winter as a houseplant is the best use of the species.
Click to expand...
Thanks, I wasn't really thinking of trying to bonsai it, I just like them. They root really easily, and if trimmed above a three leave node, will make three more shoots. They remind me of my daughter, and I like the flowers. They're hard to find around here, is all. But thanks!
 
I know you said your not interstellar in bonsai'ing one but I have one at work I've been training for a year and it's not awful in my opinion. I could post a picture tomorrow if you'd like.

Aaron
 
aml1014 said:
I know you said your not interstellar in bonsai'ing one but I have one at work I've been training for a year and it's not awful in my opinion. I could post a picture tomorrow if you'd like.

Aaron
Click to expand...
Please do, I would like to see what is possible with them. Thanks!
 
aml1014 said:
Needs some wire and a trimming, I haven't touched it at all this yearView attachment 114049
Aaron
Click to expand...
Really nice, looks super healthy. All I have left is a couple cuttings, would take a 100 years for them to do anything. Not an easy plant to find around here. Bet that's really pretty when it blooms. Thanks!
 
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