Lucky Nut Cascabela thevetia

Yellow oleander is an upright, evergreen, tropical shrub or small tree in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) growing to a mature height of 8 feet and a spread of 4 feet. The plant is a native of the West Indies, Mexico and parts of Central and South America where it can reach heights of 20 to 30 feet. The genus name comes from the Spanish word cascabela meaning small bell in reference to the shape of the flower and the species name honors André Thevet (1502-1592) a French monk who traveled in Brazil and Guiana.

Yellow oleander does best in rich, sandy soils, but will do well in average, medium moisture soils in full sun to part shade. If grown in a container, use fertile soils with good drainage. Water regularly, but let the soil dry out between watering. To maintain the attractiveness of the plant, promptly deadhead spent blooms to prevent seed pods. To overwinter yellow oleander indoors, site it in a cool location (about 40 degrees F.), such as a basement, with moderate light and very little water. Alternatively, you can grow it as a houseplant in a sunny but cool room with reduced water. It can be propagated from cuttings taken in late summer and the plant will tolerate light pruning to shape it after flowering (late summer to fall).

In warm environments (zone 8 and higher) plant as a small flowering tree, a hedge for privacy or prune low for a foundation planting. Its low water use makes it an excellent addition to a drought-tolerant garden, patio planting, or near a pool. In cooler climates of the United States, it is often grown as a container plant brought indoors in winter or as a year-round houseplant.

Large, showy, yellow flowers and alternate leaves distinguish it from its cousin, oleander, which has pink or white flowers and whorled leaves.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Minor insect issues include mealybugs, scale, and aphids.  Caterpillars are known to chew on the leaves.  If leaf spot appears on the leaves, remove them from the plant. Like most members of the dogbane family, yellow oleander is toxic. The stems exude a milky sap when cut and all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. Plant saps can cause allergic skin reactions in some people and smoke from burning plant material can be toxic. Use extreme caution growing this plant around children or pets.