Oleander

Nerium oleander

Native to:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Guam, Gulf States, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco, Myanmar, Niger, NW. Balkan Pen., Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Portugal, Sardegna, Saudi Arabia, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Apocynaceae
Genus:
Nerium
Species:
Nerium oleander
USDA Symbol:
NEOL

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
600 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
pink, white, red, yellow
Evergreen Shrub:
Yes
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Faithful Beauty (Composia fidelissima), Honeydew moth (Cryptoblabes gnidiella), Mexican leafroller (Amorbia emigratella), Palpita moth (Palpita flegia), Polka-dot Wasp Moth (Syntomeida epilais), Pyroderces badia, Salt Marsh Moth (Estigmene acrea)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.3 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to Mediterranean regions with dry summers

Propagation & Germination

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society

Where to Buy

Nationwide Seller