Why Are My Oleander Shrubs Not Blooming?
Oleanders are prized for their beautiful, prolific blooms. But sometimes, for no apparent reason, they stop blooming. If you’re facing this problem, don’t worry. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of non-blooming oleander shrubs and provide simple solutions to get them blooming again.
Common Causes of Non-Blooming Oleander Shrubs
1. Lack of Sunlight
Oleanders need full sun to bloom properly. If your shrub is surrounded by other plants that are blocking the sun, it may not be getting enough light to produce flowers.
2. Root Competition
Oleanders have large root systems. If low-growing plants have grown too dense around your shrub, they may be competing with the oleander for nutrients and water, which can lead to weak or no blooms.
3. Water Stress
While mature oleander shrubs are drought-tolerant, all oleanders need adequate water during their bloom time. If your shrub is not getting enough water, it will not produce flowers. Water your oleander well once a week from early summer to fall.
4. Nitrogen Overload
Non-blooming oleander shrubs that are used as a hedge may be absorbing too much nitrogen from lawn fertilizer runoff. High nitrogen fertilizers promote growth in the leaves, branches, and stems of plants, but not in the blooms or roots.
5. Over-Pruning
Oleander hedges that are trimmed too often may have very few or no flowers. Oleander flowers on new wood, so over-pruning can remove the potential flowering buds.
Solutions to Get Your Oleander Shrubs Blooming Again
1. Provide Adequate Light and Water
- Trim back overhanging trees and weeds around the base of your oleander shrub.
- Water your oleander well once a week during its bloom time (early summer to fall).
2. Reduce Root Competition
- Thin out low-growing plants around your oleander shrub to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
3. Fertilize Properly
- Use a well-balanced 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 fertilizer in spring and fall.
- Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers, as these can promote leaf growth at the expense of blooms.
- Consider using a bloom boosting fertilizer (10-30-20 or 0-52-30) to stimulate flowering. However, do not use bloom boosting fertilizer too often.
4. Prune Wisely
- Prune your oleander shrub once a year in the fall.
- Trim back by about ½ to promote new growth, as oleander flowers on new wood.
- Thin out the plant by removing dead and crowded branches.
5. Wear Protective Gear
- When pruning oleander, always wear protective gear, as oleander is poisonous.
- Wash your hands and garden tools immediately after pruning, and do not burn oleander trimmings.
By following these tips, you can help your non-blooming oleander shrubs regain their blooming glory. Remember to be patient, as it may take some time for your shrub to recover and start producing flowers again.
