Oleander is a tough Mediterranean shrub that thrives where summers are dry and hot. It is a large, evergreen shrub with bushy, rounded to vase-shaped habit. Leathery, linear, lance-shaped leaves line the branches throughout the year and emit white latex when broken. The colorful flowers appear all year around but bloom most heavily from late winter to early summer. They are borne in loose clusters at the ends of the branches and are funnel-shaped at the base with five prominent radial petals that flare at the mouth. There are lots of colors to choose from in shades of red, pink, and white.
Plant this tough shrub in full sun and well-draining soil. Oleanders are very drought tolerant but develop a better floral display and overall form if regular water and good growing conditions. Oleander is a popular hedge plant that is often heavily sheared. Shearing is less desirable because it reduces flower production. It is preferable to shape plants selectively with prudent hand pruning. This is an excellent plant for difficult areas. It may be planted in large containers, as a specimen shrub, in mixed plantings or for screening. (infor source: Learn2Grow.com)
Genus - Nerium
Species - Oleander
Common name - Oleander
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 8 - 15
Height - 6'-20' / 1.8m - 6.1m
Spread - 3'-10' / 0.9m - 3.0m
Plant type - Shrub
Vegetation type - Evergreen
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Clay, Loam, Sand, Well Drained
Water requirements - Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Landscape uses - Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Tropical
Germination rate - 83%
Bloom season - Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Winter, Late Winter
Leaf / Flower color - Gray Green, Dark Green / Pink
Useful Info | |
Germination | Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours. Stratification: none required. Germination: sow seed 1/4" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed. |