How to create a hedge of oleanders?

Where to install a hedge of oleanders?

Oleanders need sunlight and warmth to thrive. A partially shaded situation can also be suitable. These are frost-sensitive bushes that are vulnerable to freezing when temperatures drop below -8 or -10°C. Therefore, it is best to plant a hedge of oleanders in the south of France or along the Atlantic coast, locations with ideal climatic conditions. Elsewhere, grow oleander in pots so you can bring them indoors in winter to protect them from frost and cold.

You will find a wide selection of varieties with single or double flowers, varying degrees of fragrance, and a range of colours. Dare to choose light pink with ‘Emilie’, orange with ‘Saumon’, yellow with ‘Angiolo Pucci’, dark pink with ‘Papa Gambetta’, red with ‘Double Red’, and white with ‘Sister Agnes’. There is something for every taste and desire.

A hedge of white oleanders brightens up a corner of the garden

Let yourself be guided by a wide selection of varieties to grow according to your region.

When to plant a hedge of oleanders?

Like many bushes, oleander is planted as soon as spring arrives, once the last frosts have passed. In regions with a warm climate, you can plant your hedge of oleanders in autumn.

What is the planting distance between two oleanders?

The oleander is a bush that can quickly grow to several metres in height and over a metre in diameter. When creating your hedge, leave a space of between 60 cm and 1 m between each young plant to allow air to circulate. Aeration is very important for keeping bushes healthy.

Note: if your hedge is planted along the boundary of your property, the bushes must be placed at least 50 cm from the neighbour’s property line if their height is less than or equal to 2 m. Check with your local council as these measurements may vary depending on the municipality.

To learn more about planting distances, discover the sheet Hedges, bushes, trees: what planting distances?

How to plant a hedge of oleander?

Oleander adapts to all soils, well worked deeply and especially well-drained. Poor or calcareous soil can also be suitable. Here are some key steps to successfully plant:

• Mark out the positioning of your future hedge using a string line;
• Work and loosen the soil deeply with a garden fork;
• Break up clumps and remove any stones or debris;
• Soak the root balls of the bushes in basins of water for about 1 hour to moisten the root ball and roots;
• Using a spade, dig holes twice the size of the root balls every 60 cm to 1 m, depending on the size of the purchased pots (ask the seller for advice);
• Add a layer of drainage with stones, gravel, or sand at the bottom of each hole;
• Gently loosen the root hairs with your fingers;
• Position the root balls at the bottom of the holes and keep the bushes upright;
• Fill the gaps with garden soil or potting compost;
• Firmly compact all around with your foot;
• Water generously;
• Place organic mulch around each plant to maintain consistent moisture.

Mix varieties to diversify the colours and shapes of the flowers

How to maintain a hedge of oleanders?

Once the hedge is planted, water the base of the bushes well rather than the foliage during the first few years to ensure they establish in the best conditions. The oleander will provide a magnificent flowering, provided the soil remains moist throughout the summer. Mulch the base to retain moisture from watering or rain, prevent water evaporation, and limit the growth of weeds.
In autumn, feel free to enrich the soil at the base of the bushes by placing a thick layer of dead leaves, compost, or well-rotted manure.
Pruning will not take place in the first few years, allowing the oleanders to grow and thicken. It will be done when the hedge is dense and thick, in spring.

Discover the benefits of mulching with the guide Mulch, why, how?

For further reading

• Discover our advice sheet Oleander: planting, pruning and maintaining and the range of colours available for oleanders.
• To make the right choice of plants, we advise you to plant appropriately; feel free to adopt our Plantfit web application!