Oleander should - at least at temperatures below minus five degrees Celsius - winter better in a frost-protected, but cool and bright room. If possible, you should not leave the container plant inside all winter, but only when it is absolutely necessary - for example in severe winters. The Mediterranean ornamental shrub simply feels most comfortable outside.
Oleander should be acclimated to a shady spot after the winter
Do not remove oleanders abruptly from their winter quarters
However, if the oleander has spent several weeks or even months in its winter quarters, you should observe a few important instructions - otherwise the quite sensitive plant could react with a shock. This includes, for example, that oleanders should be put back outside as early as possible - but not oleanders that have hibernated at temperatures of more than ten degrees Celsius. Oleanders that wintered too warm continued to grow in the cold season, so that the new shoots are not cold-resistant and would simply die. On the other hand, cold-wintered specimens are much more robust.
From the winter quarters first in the shade
In addition, oleanders do not belong in the full sun from their winter quarters: this abrupt change leads to severe leaf damage and can have a lasting negative effect on both the growth and flowering of the plant. It is better to put the bucket in a sheltered and shady place first. Getting used to the sun is done gradually and carefully, so that the oleander does not experience such a drastic changeover shock.
The right care after the winter break
To ensure that your oleander has a good start to the season and has enough strength for a rich flowering, you should take good care of it.
Carefully cut back the oleanders
This includes first of all a careful, nurturing pruning. However, you only remove dead, diseased and weak shoots in order to strengthen the rest in this way. Also check the shrub carefully for any diseases (especially dry rot often occurs after wintering) and possible pest infestation.
Start fertilizing for a flowering season
In addition, clearing out the winter quarters is also used for the first fertilization - so that your oleander starts the new growth period stronger. If necessary, repot the oleander in fresh substrate and in a larger pot and also mix in a good long-term fertilizer for flowering plants.
tips
In spring you should also wrap the planter in bubble wrap and pack the oleander well - otherwise any night frosts that occur can cause serious damage.