How to Prune Oleander for Shape and Health

Oleander grows vigorously; annual late‑winter pruning keeps it small and shapely. Maintaining 2–3′ is unrealistic unless you have a dwarf cultivar (‘Petite Salmon’, ‘Petite Pink’, 3–4′). Cutting to 2–3′ on standard types leaves bare bases.

For leggy plants, do corrective pruning: remove ⅓ of large woody stems entirely, cut remaining stems back by ¼. Next winter, remove more woody stems if needed and trim branches.