Rosebay Nerium oleander

Oleander is a rapidly growing, rounded, broadleaf evergreen, woody perennial shrub native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). The species epithet is derived from the genus name for olive (Olea) and references the leaves, which resemble those of the olive tree. 

It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil, although it will adapt to other soil conditions. It is intolerant of temperatures at or below 32 degrees F and may be damaged by cold winters. Prune back frost-damaged and dead branches once winter passes. Regular light pruning after flowering improves its shape. Propagate oleander by seed or stem cutting.

Oleander blooms in late spring to late summer, and it comes in a variety of flower colors, from pink to peach to white. The flowers are fragrant and showy and appear on new growth, so refrain from pruning after early fall to avoid removing next year’s flower buds. It grows 5 to 19.5 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide. Dwarf cultivars are available. 

This shrub is highly deer and salt-tolerant, including salt spray, so it works well in coastal gardens. Its large size makes it an ideal choice for use as a screening plant, foundation plant, or in the back of a border. Also consider it for a patio or pool hardscape, drought-tolerant, nighttime or winter gardens (in the appropriate hardiness zone). In cold climates, oleander can be grown in a container that is moved indoors for the winter or as a houseplant.

This plant is highly poisonous. Do not burn this plant, as the smoke is injurious. Do not consume any part of this plant.

Quick ID Hints:

• Linear-lanceolate leaves are 4 to 7 inches long and less than an inch wide.
• Narrow leaves are opposite or in whorls of 3 or 4.
• It has showy, terminal, 5-petaled flowers that are 1 to 1.5 inches in size and are in cymes. The flowers have a corona.
• Fruit is a pair of follicles, each of which splits open along one side.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, caterpillars, mealybugs and scale are occasional pests. Armillaria, leaf spot, and sooty mold occasionally occur.