Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Oleander Plant Features

Spend some time in Zones 9 or 10 and you're bound to see spectacular hedges of oleander performing in gardens, parks, and other public spaces. Oleander is a beautiful and easy-to-grow flowering shrub (or small tree, depending how it's pruned) that typically produces a profuse show of red, pink, cream, or white flowers. There are a number of varieties. Some have double, rose-like flowers and others are graced with a light, sweet fragrance.

This flowering shrub is an excellent hedge plant. If left unpruned, it can reach 15 feet or more, but can be kept shorter. Its quick growth and dense foliage make oleander a favorite plant for creating privacy. If you remove all but one stem, you can train oleander to grow as a beautiful tree. 

In Northern areas, oleander is sometimes grown as a tropical plant in container gardens because of its beautiful display of flowers. Larger specimens are lovely as showpiece plants on their own, but smaller plants pair well to make beautiful container garden combinations. 

Oleander Questions?
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Oleander Growing Instructions

Grow oleander in full sun for best flowering. Once established, it's quite drought tolerant -- making it an excellent choice for easy-care landscapes. That said, it does typically flower best if watered during long bouts of hot, dry weather.

Fertilize oleander, if necessary, in spring with a general-purpose fertilizer. When grown in pots, it appreciates more regular fertilization to keep it flowering. 

Prune oleander, when necessary, in spring.

Note: Oleander may be poisonous. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. If you think your pet may have ingested it, call the Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435.

  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Pink

    Red

    Variegated

    White

  • Special Features

    Attracts butterflies

    Deer/rabbit resistant

    Super-easy to grow

Complement your Oleander

Croton
Croton is a colorful shrub with bold, variegated foliage that grows well with oleander.

Plumbago
Plumbago is just as easy to grow as oleander, and its lovely blue flowers are an attractive accent to just about any oleander variety.

Firebush
Firebush is another no-fuss flowering shrub that likes similar conditions as oleander.