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 CharacteristicsAll parts are highly toxic if ingested.
CareGrows 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.
PropagationFrom semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
ProblemsScale insects, spider mites, caterpillars, aphids, bacterial knot (gall), and dieback
- Genus : Nerium
- Plant Height : 10 to 15 feet
- Zones : 11
- Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
- Uses : Containers
- Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Flower Color : Pink, Red, White
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Bloom Time : Summer
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
