How to grow delicate oleander flowers?

A look at oleander flowers evokes a strong association with the exoticism of the Crimea and a warm subtropical summer. These evergreen bushes of the Kutrova family grow in these places in abundance. Many know that they are extremely poisonous, especially many toxins in plant juice. But if it does not frighten you, then you can grow a purple or white oleander at home - the flower will remind you of summer and please its beauty and aroma. The paniculate inflorescences come in a variety of shades, they bloom from July to early autumn.

Oleander Features

This plant has been cultivated since antiquity, its images are often found on frescoes and in carvings adorning the temples. It is a heat-loving shrub, sensitive to coolness (especially terry varieties). When the temperature falls below twelve degrees Celsius, adult plants freeze and die. In a warm location in sheltered sunny places, they grow well. They love moist and fertile soils. Well respond to the formation of the bush by trimming, quickly restore the crown, resistant to pests. On heavily moist soils and in shading, they can be affected by fungus, worm, and decay. Flowers of oleander - a beautiful decoration of the Crimean parks. It is often planted along the embankments as a solitary plant, as well as in group plantings for the design of avenues. The bushes are propagated by cuttings, as well as by layers and seeds.

Delicate oleander flower - care and growing on the windowsill

Cultivating it in a pot is quite simple, all that is required is regular pruning. On the windowsill, such varieties as Hardy Red, Petit Salmon, the Levant Salt are best suited. Flowers of oleander will not take long to wait, as it is a fast growing shrub. Put the plant in a well-drained soil (one part of peat, compost and humus, two parts of loam and peeled sand), as fertilizer can be used ordinary manure. For irrigation, place the pot in a dish of water. In the period of intensive development, you can also spray. After pruning, you need to reduce the amount of moisture, and in winter, and at all minimize. Shrub does not like sharp temperature changes and drafts - because of them oleander flowers can even fall off.

Reproduction by cuttings and seeds

Carry out this procedure in the summer months, after the shoots get stronger. Cuttings should be cut to a length of up to fifteen centimeters, the leaves removed. Steer carefully cut diagonally. Place the shard in the water. Then root in a mixture of peat and purified river sand. Propagation by seeds is much more difficult. Mainly because they keep a good germination for a short time. Therefore at home it is still more convenient to propagate by cuttings.

Diseases of oleander

The worst damage is caused by a mealy worm. These insects are able to form whole colonies and weaken the plant, sucking out the juice from it. The infected bush should be isolated from other indoor flowers and treated with chemicals. Sometimes it is worthwhile to plant on the oleander the natural enemies of the worm - ladybirds.