How to Treat Oleander Blight

Oleander shrubs rarely grow over 12 feet tall.

Oleanders are evergreen shrubs that can live in a wide range of climates. The plants produce brightly colored flowers in the summer months. A disease the shrub can fall victim to is bacterial blight, which often presents as angular black or brown spots on leaves. The disease is often spread by splashing rain and high moisture environments. Spray treatments are not generally effective in its removal, but several other measurements are helpful.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Prune branches showing signs of blight with a clean set of pruning shears. Prune oleander during the dry season when blight infection is less likely to be prevalent.

2. Water plants directly into the soil beneath the plant. Avoid getting water on the foliage, as wet leaves and flowers can cause blight to thrive.

3. Space plants several feet apart to allow for good air circulation. Air circulation allows leaves to dry quickly, making them less susceptible to blight.

4. Use fertilizer conservatively. Over fertilizing creates an environment conducive to blight.

5. Remove trees with canker growths on the trunk or that have damage over the majority of the plant. These trees are unlikely to recover and could spread the bacteria to other plants.

References

• University of California: How to Manage Pests--Oleander
• University of California: How to Manage Pests--Bacterial Blight