Nerium oleander Red-Pink

The Tricolour Oleander is a strong plant that can be out on your terrace all summer long. Take a large pot or planter with holes in the base. Cover the bottom with a layer of potsherds or hydrograins. Put some potting compost in the pot and plant the root ball at the appropriate depth. Fill the pot with potting compost and press firmly. Immediately water after planting. Place the pot in an area with complete sunshine in order to achieve an extra rich bloom. Tricolour Oleander makes a great combination plant The rich flowering Tricolour Oleander combines well with other species from the Mediterranean. Combine Tricoloured Oleander with Bougainvillea and Pelargonium on your patio.

Water your Tricolour Oleander on a regular basis to prevent the soil from drying out. Place a dish of water underneath the pot on very hot days. Do not cut faded stems as they might still grow new buds. For an extra rich flowering, it is advisable to add fertilizer along with the irrigation water during the summer. Spray the plants regulerly so that the leaves stay moist. The Tricoloured Oleander does not tolerate dry soil very well. Pruning is not absolutely necessary, but you may need to shorten the longer branches during the spring. The Tricoloured Oleander can be preserved throughout the winter The Tricolour Oleander is not a hardy plant but can be preserved during the winter. Leave the leathery, dark green leaves on the branches. After the first frost, place the pot in a cool, light room (5-10˚ C). Give the plant small amounts of water to prevent the compost from drying out. When spring arrives, you can water the Tricolour Oleander more often. Place younger plants in a pot with fresh potting soil and give older plants a layer of new potting compost. Halfway through the spring, the Tricolour Oleander will be ready to place back out once again to decorate your patio! Do not leave the plant out if there is any sign of night frosts.

This popular tub plant grows in the wild in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Did you know that the Oleander was already a popular plant during the time of the ancient Romans? The delicate flowers can be seen in old paintings. The Oleander is a poisonous plant, so be careful if there are children around.