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Debary, FL

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Oleander blooming

A few years ago we moved the plant about 60 feet to the backyard because ugly orange caterpillars ate all the flowers and ruined the look. Surprisingly, they have not attacked it since it was moved. It has grown a lot & I wonder if it should be trimmed when it finishes blooming.

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8 Comments

Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

Sounds like oleander caterpillars found your tree when it was in your front yard, Sherrie. They're a common pest of oleanders and you're lucky they haven't found your shrub again. An oleander will naturally grow into a very large of shrub of 10-15 high by nearly as wide. There is no reason to prune other than to shape, or restrict the size, but if you do so it should indeed be when it finishes blooming.

on Apr 20, 2012 · Like 0
Sherrie S Debary, FL

Douglas, I had that oleander for years & even cut it down so I could spray it all over and they ruined it anyway. There is something else keeping them away. I don't know what it is but since it was moved several years ago I have had beautiful flowering. Maybe the cypress tree or the norfolk pines behind it? By the way I will see you tomorrow at the Volusia Fair.

on Apr 20, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

It was great meeting you today, Sherrie!

on Apr 21, 2012 · Like 0
Sherrie S Debary, FL

Douglas, that Volusia show was great. Next I will ask you questions about many things we bourght today. Great deals. It was difficult finding any information about the Master Gardener Faire. I couldn't have found anything without your assistance. Why?

on Apr 21, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

Probably because the county is a terrible publicist. I will bring this up when we have our post-fair meeting next week.

on Apr 22, 2012 · Like 0
Nyomi R Hillsboro, NH

Sherrie, I believe that Cypress Tree's have a natural "insect repellent" quality about them. That is the most likely reason why your Orleander's have not been attacked again. There are many trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants that have this quality about them. It's their own natural defense system, kind of like our immune system. But it really comes in handy when you have other plants that are being attacked because you can move those plants to be near each other and then there ...»
are no more bugs! =D As for pruning..it is all up to you. If you decide that you do not want the plant to get any bigger, the best way to try and assure that is to cut the thickest branches that are at the tops and sides. These are the ones that reach for the sun the most and are really the whole "root" of the plant. Trim them back to the size of the plant that you want, and then trim the rest of the plant accordingly. Keep doing this every year, and eventually, it will stop trying to grow new shoots from those thick branches. But definitely wait until it is done blooming. You don't want to cut off all of those beautiful flowers if you don't have to. Have a wonderful day!!!!

on Apr 22, 2012 · Like 1
Sherrie S Debary, FL

Nyomi R, I found your comment about insect repellent very interesting. The Cypress tree is always perfect so maybe it does have those magical qualities. Thank you.

on Apr 22, 2012 · Like 1
Nyomi R Hillsboro, NH

You're welcome!!!!

on Apr 25, 2012 · Like 0