Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!
The oleander (Nerium oleander) is originally from the Mediterranean region. Winters are mild there, with temperatures rarely dropping below zero. For this reason, the popular but cold-sensitive flowering shrub does not tolerate the typical German winter with frost, snow and ice.
Oleander does not like sub-zero temperatures
Properly wintering oleanders
For this reason, oleanders should not be overwintered outdoors, at least not when temperatures drop permanently below zero. Theoretically, the Mediterranean ornamental shrub tolerates minus temperatures of up to around five degrees Celsius, although this information is not guaranteed - the actual robustness depends largely on the age of the plant, the type of wintering and the plant pot. Basically, older specimens are much less sensitive to cold than younger ones. Oleander can also be hardened to a certain extent by wintering the shrub at temperatures of around five degrees Celsius - of course above zero. Furthermore, certain oleander varieties are considered less sensitive to cold than others, such as 'Villa Romaine' or 'Album Plenum'.
When is the best time to bring oleanders into your home
Basically, the rule for oleanders is to clear them into the winter quarters as late as possible and put them out again as early as possible. It's high time to clear things out when the temperatures drop permanently below around minus five degrees Celsius, and snowfall may be forecast. However, as soon as the weather becomes milder again, you can bring the shrub outside again - at best leave the pot near the winter quarters so that the plant can be brought back into the shelter quickly if necessary. Oleanders that have wintered cold can go outside from around the beginning to mid-April. However, specimens that have spent the cold season at ten degrees Celsius and more should remain in the cold shelter for another month.
Protect oleanders outdoors from sub-zero temperatures
It is very important to always protect oleanders from the cold outdoors. Place the planter wrapped with bubble wrap or similar close to a heat-emitting house wall, if possible on an insulating Styrofoam base.
tips
If the oleander only freezes above ground, it can be saved by severe pruning. In this case, the plant usually drives out again. There is no hope, however, even if the roots were exposed to sub-zero temperatures and are therefore frozen.