Nerium oleander

Common Names

Oleander, Rose Laurel, Rose Bay, Jericho Rose, White Oleander, Nerium

Summary

Oleander is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean Basin and parts of southern Asia. It features dense, dark-green, leathery leaves and a dense growth habit that is upright to mounded, typically reaching 4–20 ft tall. Showy, star-shaped flowers appear in terminal clusters in white, pink, red, coral, or yellow, often fragrant, blooming from spring through summer and sometimes year-round in warm climates. It tolerates drought, heat, salt spray, and a range of soils, and can be used as a hedge, screen, or ornamental specimen; some forms are invasive in some regions and naturalize in riparian habitats in certain areas. All parts are highly toxic; sap can irritate skin; handling requires gloves.

Cultivation and uses: Prefers full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil; drought-tolerant and tolerant of coastal conditions, but avoid waterlogging and soggy sites; water deeply during establishment and thereafter as needed; space 4–12 ft apart for hedges or plantings; prune after flowering to shape; fertilize sparingly; propagate by stem cuttings or seeds. Pests include aphids, scales, mealybugs, and oleander caterpillar; diseases such as leaf spot can occur. All plant parts are toxic; wear gloves when handling and avoid burning plant material. Used for hedges, screens, slopes, privacy borders, or container plantings; hardy in USDA zones 8–10; container plants can be grown in cooler climates.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-20 feet

Spread

6-10 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun or partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, tolerates a range of textures from dry sandy to moist clay, alkaline preferred, pH 5.0–8.3

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color change

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

1–2 ft/year under ideal conditions

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts pollinators