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
Alvesgaspar
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:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink, red, yellow, salmon, purple
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- 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
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from the root crown after fire or severe pruning.
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
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 21–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily at 68-75°F without pretreatment. Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.