How to Grow and Care for Oleander

Oleander, also known as Common oleander, Rose bay, Nerium, Sweet oleander, Laurel rose, Adelfa

Oleander is a robust and ornamental plant known for its resilience and ability to thrive with minimal fuss. Key care needs include placing the plant in full sun and ensuring well-drained soil to prevent root rot. A special care point is the plant's toxicity; all parts are poisonous if ingested, requiring careful handling and placement away from pets and children. Oleander tolerates drought well, reducing the need for frequent watering, which contributes to its overall low maintenance.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Toxic to Human & Pets

In This Article

Planting and Growing Oleander

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	8-11
Toxicity	Toxic to Human & Pets

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Varieties of Oleander

Oleander 'Alsace'

Oleander 'Alsace' is a member of the Oleander family. It features delightful, pale-pink petaled flowers that are lighter in color than the flowers of the parent plant. Oleanders are native to Alsace and the Mediterranean region. This Oleander is a little shorter than the parent tree, growing to 5 m rather than 6 m. This tree is halophytic, meaning it is tolerant of salty seaside conditions.

Oleander 'Provence'

Oleander 'Provence' is special among oleanders because of its large bunches of triple, scented, soft-pink flowers and hardy growing habit. A cultivar of hybridized Nerium oleander, oleander 'Provence' was named after its cultivation origin in France. This variant is adored for its toughness, beauty, and delightful fragrance.

Oleander 'Hardy Red'

Oleander 'Hardy Red' is a type of nerium oleander bred to be hardier than usual in cold temperatures, hence its name. It is also particularly popular among gardeners because it produces vibrant red flowers throughout the summer - these are said to be beautiful when contrasted against its dark green foliage.

Oleander 'Petite Salmon'

Oleander 'Petite Salmon' offers delightful, single, 5-petaled salmon-pink flowers. The plant grows as a dwarf evergreen shrub with a vase-shaped habit. It is a cultivar of Nerium oleander, distinguished by (and named for) its small size and the color of the blooms. Gardeners favor this variety for its resistance to deer and rabbits.

Oleander 'Petite Pink'

Oleander 'Petite Pink' is a low-growing shrub that is perfect for a compact garden. It bears small clusters of pink, funnel-shaped flowers with a sweet fragrance. While attractive, all parts of this plant are poisonous to humans and pets.

Common Pests & Diseases

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The Toxicity of Oleander

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More General Info About Oleander

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Oleander is a swiftly growing evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching heights of approximately 6.5 to 19.5 feet (2 to 6 meters) and widths of 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters). It boasts glossy, sturdy green stems and linear-lanceolate leaves that are oppositely arranged or in whorls of 3 to 4, measuring 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm) in length and less than an inch (2.5 cm) wide. The plant features conspicuous, terminal clusters of 5-petaled flowers, each 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) across, with fruit manifesting as a pair of splitting follicles. The stems exude a sticky sap when damaged.