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, AdelfaHow to care for Oleander
Difficulty
Oleander requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Oleander should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
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.
Lighting
Oleander requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Oleander will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
Dormancy
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.
Toxicity
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.
Growth-pattern
The Oleander is a clumping species, with new growth arising from the soil surrounding the parent plant.
Region of origin
Oleander’s native range is S.W. Europe to E. Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia