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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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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