Common Oleander
Nerium oleander (APOCYNACEAE)
Planting and Growing Common Oleander
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow common oleander in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, and seeds of common oleander
- Growing conditions for common oleander
- When and where to plant common oleander
- How to plant common oleander
- How to shape, prune and control growth of common oleander
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of common oleander
- Landscape uses of common oleander
- Pest and disease control for common oleander
Growing Common Oleander
Many cultivars of fast-growing, dense, bushy and arching, evergreen shrubs, to 20 ft. (6 m) tall and 12 ft. (3.7 m) wide, with dull, green, leathery, narrow leaves, to 1 ft. (30 cm) long.
Common Oleander Planting and Care Guide
Flowers and Seeds
Mostly fragrant, pink, red, white, yellow, double or single flowers in spring–autumn, 2–3 in. (50–75 mm) wide, in showy clusters, form hairy, tufted seed in autumn.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 8–11.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained soil. Fertility: Average–low. 6.5–7.0 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Full sun. Space 5–10 ft. (1.5–3 m) apart.
Proper Care
Easy. Generally care free. Keep moist; allow soil surface to dry between waterings until established. Fertilize annually in spring. Mulch, zone 8. Prune after bloom. Prune heavily in cold-winter climates. Propagate by cuttings.
About This Species
Good choice for borders, containers, hedges, screens along driveways. Best in heat. So tough, used as freeway planting. Attractive all seasons. Fire retardant. Drought tolerant. Invasive; prohibited in some jursidictions. Deer, rodent resistant. Aphid, scale susceptible.
Warning:
All parts and sap of Nerium oleander cause skin irritation, digestive upset, and may be fatally toxic if eaten or smoke is inhaled while burning plant parts. Avoid planting in gardens frequented by pets or children.