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Oleander

Nerium oleander

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Oleander · Nerium oleander

Pink or white flowers that handle sun, but every part is highly poisonous.

Care and placement

Needs full sun (6–8 hours) and fertile, well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established; prune lightly after flowering; the WHOLE PLANT IS HIGHLY TOXIC.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 300 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 200 cm

Things to consider

HIGHLY TOXIC: every part contains cardiac glycosides; NC State rates the poison severity as high; ASPCA notes drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, depression and death in dogs, cats and horses. Sap irritates skin and burning smoke is also toxic. Wear gloves when pruning, never burn clippings, and do not plant where children or pets can reach it.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil (NC State). Place it away from children's play areas and pet-frequented spots.

  2. Light

    Full sun, about 6–8 hours daily; NC State: full sun to partial shade. Shade sharply reduces flowering.

  3. Watering

    Drought-tolerant once established, needing infrequent watering; drip irrigation at the base is better than overhead sprinklers since wet foliage encourages bacterial leaf spot.

  4. Feeding

    Not a heavy feeder: balanced 10-10-10 twice a year or slow-release in early spring. Too much nitrogen gives foliage over blooms.

  5. Pruning

    NC State: prune lightly and regularly after flowering and not after early autumn so next year's buds are kept. Remove no more than a third of live growth per session. Wear gloves, wash hands and tools; never burn clippings.

  6. Propagation

    Semi-hardwood cuttings 10–20 cm long in late spring to summer, lower leaves removed, dipped in rooting hormone and set in draining mix; roots in 3–6 weeks. Seed also works (NC State). Wear gloves.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Prone to bacterial leaf spot (angular water-soaked lesions turning brown) when foliage is wet, and oleander leaf scorch. Aphids, mealybugs and scale may appear. Avoid overhead watering and remove diseased parts.

  8. For more flowers

    For abundant flowers: full sun, little nitrogen, light pruning at the right time after flowering and watering at the base. Pink, white or yellow flowers open from spring to autumn.