Nerium oleander (Oleander, Rose bay)

Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

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Botanical Name: Nerium oleander NEER-ee-um OH-lee-an-der Common Name: Oleander, Rose bay Genus: Nerium

Oleander is a tall, upright to spreading shrub with lance-shaped, deep green to grayish green leaves. Clusteres of up to 80 pink, red, or white flowers appear in summer. Numerous cultivars are available, varying in bloom color, fragrance, and size, as well as shrub size and leaf variegation.
Noteworthy characteristics: All parts are highly toxic if ingested.
Care: Grows best in full sun to partial shade and tolerates heavy clay soils. Water well throughout the growing season and as winter approaches. Root-hardy through Zone 6, possibly Zone 5. Mulch heavily (6 to 8 inches deep) in late fall or early winter with deciduous leaves to protect roots and lower stems.
Propagation: From semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Problems: Scale insects, spider mites, caterpillars, aphids, bacterial knot (gall), and dieback

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Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

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