[Arid_gardener] Re: Irrigating Oleanders

[Olin Miller]

Oleanders are considered to be drought resistant plant that can get by with
very little water.  Supplemental irrigation  is needed during prolonged dry
periods as well as during the warm summer months and also for consistency in
blooming.  For a description of the plant and its cultural requirements
refer to:
http://cals.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Nerium_oleander.html

It is true that oleander roots, as well as many other tree and shrub roots,
will seek out water such as in leaky sewer pipes which was pretty common
back before the plastic age when clay tiles were was used for residential
sewer drains.  I believe that oleander got the bum rap only because there
were so many of them.  But I don't believe that it is a problem with today's
ABS sewer pipes except possibly for the perforated pipes used in septic tank
drainage fields where it  isn't a good idea to plant any trees or shrubs
anyway.

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County AZ
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----- Original Message ----- From: <nancyinphx at cox.net>
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 1:52 PM
> Nancy 85044
> Oleanders:  How much water?  I have a row of standard size planted about
> 10 feet from house and next to neighbors wall.  Direction is SE.  They get
> mostly AM sun.  They are across from my kitchen window sink.  They were
> planted almost two years ago, and are growing well.  I have heard that
> Oleanders will seak out water pipes.  Is this true?  They have a bubbler
> head about every two plants.  Poeple are telling me to get rid of them
> because they are water hogs (and poison).  I am very happer with them but
> do want to cut back on watering.  What are the facts?