Growing Tips for Oleander Flowering Shrub

Recently my brother bought me two Oleander flowering shrubs because he thought I would love the beautiful flower.  He did not realize that all parts of the plant contained chemicals called cardiac glycosides which can affect one's heart and cause death if consumed. 

Here are a few of my photographs of my Oleanders

 

 Plant and grow Oleander in your yard but do take steps when planting that will keep you safe.  The entire plant is so toxic that you must handle it with care.  You don’t want the sap to get on your skin so dress in a long sleeve shirt, and pants and wear gloves that cover your wrists.  A plastic shield to cover your face would also keep you safe from Oleander sap.

 Grow the Oleander in full sun.  Choose an area that has well-drained rich soil.   Space accordingly leaving 3 feet apart as this plant needs plenty of room for spreading.

 It’s a good idea to plant the oleander flowering shrub in the early spring or fall season when the days are cooler.  

 Planting Tips

Did a hole that is two times the size in depth and width as the root ball.  Amend the backfill soil with compost The top of the root ball should be level with the soil.   You can also grow Oleander in a container

Water the newly planted Oleander well so that the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.  Water throughout the growing season in the morning so that the soil does not dry out.

 For repeat blooms, you should fertilize the Oleander every two weeks during spring and summer.  I like the miracle grow bloom booster that is attached to the hose.

Other Tips

Oleander will survive in the winter as long as the temperature does not go below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Known pests are caterpillars, mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids.

Daylilies Add Color and Interest to Sun Gardens

 Ten years ago I planted a dozen daylilies and over the years they naturalized and now I have hundreds of lilies blooming in my gardens. I never dreamed I would have so many lilies in my gardens and have enjoyed the colorful blooms. I find this beautiful flower has added interest to my yard and gardens.

Know that the lily flowers look sensational when grown in masses. The blooms are very large and the orange color is vibrant against the green foliage. I have one lily that is very large 6 inches across with a yellow center and it is admired by all that see it.

Lilies are easy to grow in average well-drained soil. However, they do need to be planted in full to part sun. Know that my summers are very hot and find that the roots need to be shaded and the flower head needs sun. To help retain moisture and keep the roots cool with natural cedar mulch and I also hydrate the flowers in the morning with a slow-drip soaking hose.

Unlike the Asiatic lily which is a long-lived lily the daylily blooms for only one day so it's not a good idea to cut them for floral arrangements. Best to just enjoy them blooming in your yard and garden.

Here are photographs of the lilies that bloom in my gardens.

Vinca Annual Flowers Add Color to Sun Gardens

 Vincas are annual flowers that bloom profusely throughout the summer months and throughout the warm fall season. Dying off only after a frost.

This summer I planted 12 bi-color red and white and 4 solid red vincas in my ajuga garden and have enjoyed the added colorful blooms that attract butterflies to my yard.  

The Vincas were planted in well-drained soil that was amended with organic compost. The growing instructions said to plant in full sun, but seeing I don’t have a full day of sun in my yard due to living in the woods. I did plant the flowers where they would get 5 hours of sun daily. I suspect that they will not bloom as much or not fill in due to the lack of sun.

Here are some photos of my Vinca flowers that were planted in my Ajuga garden

Plant Care

Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to aid in retaining moisture.

Keep the soil evenly moist until the plant matures.

Fertilize with a liquid feed, every other week to encourage new growth and continuous blooms.

When fully grown your plant will be a foot tall with a similar spread.

No need to deadhead as this flower is self-cleaning.

Okay to grow in containers or in the ground. Vincas are beautiful border plants especially along a sidewalk or around a tree.

Vinca is an annual for USDA growing zones 2-8, and a perennial for zone 9-11.

* Deer and Groundhogs do not eat this flower.