Nerium oleander

 

  Oleander

  Family: Apocynaceae

  Origin: Mediterranean to Japan

Hardiness: Hardy to 15 degrees
Growth: Medium to fast growth to 8 to 12 feet; prune as small tree
Form: Mound shape with many basal branches
Leaves: About 9 inches long, one inch wide; leathery
Flowers: Red, pink, white, cream; spring thru fall; in clusters
Fruit or Seeds: Seed capsules are usually pruned off
Exposure: Full sun anywhere; even tolerates reflected heat
Water: Gets by without summer water; looks better watered monthly
Soil: Tolerates most soils; alkaline
Fertilizer: Spring or fall or not at all
Prune: Cut back and thin out in spring; okay to cut into old wood
Problems: Nerium aphid; scale; bacterial gall; bacterial leaf scorch

All parts of the plant are poisonous. 'Petite' series can be lightly pruned to remain at 3 to 4 feet.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to Garden California Home Page

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