It can take three to five years from the time symptoms are spotted for an oleander to die. Cutting off affected branches may slow progress of the disease, but won't stop it.
Luckily for San Diego gardeners, there are numerous, good options for replacing dead or dying oleanders that have been used as screens. In some cases, the oleanders' demise can be an opportunity to bring new and unusual plants to the garden that will serve the same purpose and are equally drought-tolerant.
Remove dead oleanders with caution, bearing in mind that the plants are poisonous if ingested. Keep dead leaves away from hay or other animal feed and caution children not to eat leaves or flowers. Wear gloves when handling all parts of the plant. Do not burn prunings because of fire danger and also because the smoke reportedly can cause irritation to mucus membranes.
The bacteria that causes oleander leaf scorch does not survive in the soil where the plant was growing. Thus other shrubs and trees can be planted in the same spot.
Here are some suggested substitutes suggested by four local experts: Pamela Homfelt of PH Exterior Design
); landscape architect Kay Stewart; Del Mar landscape designer Linda Chisari
); and Debra Lee Baldwin, author of “Designing With Succulents.”
(For tips on growing hedges and screens, see page Hx.)
‘Purpurea’ (Purple Hop Bush): Willowy, deep purple-bronze foliage all year; insignificant soft-pink papery flowers in late spring. Fast-growing, low water, unfussy about soil. Full sun. Grows to 20 feet tall; can be pruned shorter.
(Toyon): Native known as California's holly. Shiny deep green leaves; red berries in winter. Grows to 15 feet tall and wide. Full sun to part shade. Moderate grower.
Podocarpus macrophyllus maki
(Shrubby Yew Pine): Tall, narrow dense shrub ideal for hedge between subdivision houses. Long dark green leaves; inconspicuous flowers. Grows to 8 feet tall. Likes sun but tolerant of shade between homes. Drought-tolerant. Shear to keep narrow.
‘Fastigiata’ (American Arborvitae) — Tall, thin conifer thrives in coastal conditions. Evergreen yellow-green leaves resemble those of cedars. Grows to 25 feet tall; can be sheared. Low water; full sun.
‘Majestic Beauty’ (Indian Hawthorn) and
(Yeddo Hawthorn): Familiar shrubs for carefree screens. ‘Majestic Beauty’ grows to 10 feet tall and has leathery dark green leaves and deep pink flowers in spring. R. umbellata reaches 8 feet tall and bears white flowers with red stamens off and on all year. Both are vigorous, drought-tolerant and pest-free. Full sun to part shade.
(Island Bush Poppy): Best native substitute for oleander-size informal screen. Waxy gray-green foliage; many months of buttery yellow flowers. Grows up to 25 feet tall and wide; generally smaller in cultivation. Drought-tolerant; avoid excess water and summer water. Take care not to damage roots when planting.
(Lemonade Berry) and
(Sugar Bush): Leathery dark green; pink flowers in February through April are followed by red berries. Use Lemonade Berry in coastal areas; Sugar Bush in hotter inland regions. Both grow 8 to 10 feet tall and take shearing well. Prune after berries form so next year's buds are not harmed.