Nerium oleander
aka
Oleander
Taxonomy
Nerium oleander, also known as oleander or nerium, is a flowering perennial from the Apocynaceae family. It is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) tall and is cultivated worldwide in temperate and subtropical areas as an ornamental and landscaping plant. It is the only species in the genus Nerium and is tolerant to both drought and inundation but not to prolonged frost. The plant produces white, pink, or red five-lobed flowers that grow in clusters year-round, peaking during the summer. The fruit is a long narrow pair of follicles that splits open at maturity to release numerous downy seeds. Nerium's seeds have feathery tufts.
The plant contains several toxic compounds, and it has historically been considered a poisonous plant. However, its bitterness renders it unpalatable to humans and most animals, so poisoning cases are rare, and the general risk for human mortality is low. Ingestion of larger amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, excess salivation, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and irregular heart rhythm. Prolonged contact with sap may cause skin irritation, eye inflammation, and dermatitis.
Nerium oleander is a large evergreen shrub with brownish branches covered with rounded lenticels. The plant has narrow leaves up to 5 inches (15 cm) long, arranged on a short petiole. They are leathery, with a light median vein. The blossoms are large, bright, and connected in inflorescences at the ends of the sprouts. Most often, they are white or pink, rarely red or yellow. The flowering time depends on the climate and can last from early summer to mid-autumn.
Oleander is a rapidly growing evergreen, rounded shrub or small tree native to Europe and Asia. It grows to heights between 6.5' and 19' tall and 6' to 10' wide. It blooms in late spring to late summer and comes in a variety of flower colors. The fruits are nonornamental. Oleander dies in the winter in zone 7 and the upper bound of zone 8. Despite its toxicity, Nerium oleander remains a popular ornamental plant worldwide.
Common names
Oleander, Common Oleander, Adelfa
How to care for Oleander
Oleander requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Oleander should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Oleander loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
To ensure optimal growth, the Oleander prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
During the cold period, it is common for Oleander to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
The Oleander is a clumping species, with new growth arising from the soil surrounding the parent plant.
Oleander’s native range is S.W. Europe to E. Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia
