Nerium oleander, commonly known as oleander, is a versatile shrub or small tree that is widely cultivated in temperate and subtropical regions around the world. Its popularity in landscaping comes from its beautiful and showy flowers, which can range in color from white and pink to red, and its ability to thrive in a variety of challenging conditions.
Oleanders are known for their rapid growth, reaching heights between 6.5 and 19.5 feet and spreading 6 to 10 feet wide, making them suitable for use as screening plants or in the back of borders. The plant has shiny, stout green stems, linear-lanceolate leaves that are 4 to 7 inches long and less than an inch wide, and terminal clusters of 5-petaled flowers that are 1 to 1.5 inches in size.
This plant is native to Europe and Asia and is considered an evergreen, maintaining its foliage year-round. It's particularly noted for its tolerance to various conditions, including drought, heat, salty air, and urban pollution. However, oleanders are not frost-tolerant and can suffer damage in colder temperatures.
Despite its beauty, it's important to be aware of the plant's toxicity. All parts of the Nerium oleander plant are poisonous if ingested, with potential effects ranging from nausea and vomiting to more severe symptoms such as irregular heart rhythm. Even the sap can cause skin irritation or dermatitis upon prolonged contact.
Culturally, Nerium oleander prefers full sun to partial shade and does best in soils with good drainage. It's winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10 and can be grown in containers in colder climates, provided it is brought indoors or protected during the winter months. The plant requires low maintenance, making it a favorable choice for many gardeners.
In landscaping, oleander can be utilized in various applications such as hedges, screens, foundation plantings, and borders, thanks to its abundant and fragrant flowers and robust nature. It's available in several cultivars, including 'Hardy Pink', which is more cold-tolerant, and 'Petite Pink', a dwarf form with light pink flowers.
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