Nerium oleander ‘Cavalaire’ is a robust cultivar known for its striking floral display. This vibrant variety is well-suited for various climates and landscape designs, bringing Mediterranean charm to garden spaces. Its adaptability and low maintenance needs make it a popular choice for beauty and resilience.
Unique Features of Cavalaire Oleander
The ‘Cavalaire’ oleander features intensely colored, deep pink to reddish-pink flowers. These double to completely filled blooms have slightly wavy petals arranged in flared cup shapes and emit a fragrant scent.
This cultivar flowers abundantly from June through October, providing a long season of color. ‘Cavalaire’ exhibits a vigorous, upright, spreading growth habit, reaching 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet) tall and spreading about 2 meters (6.5 feet) wide. Its evergreen foliage consists of dark green, leathery leaves.
Growing and Care Requirements
‘Cavalaire’ oleander thrives in full sun, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. It adapts to a wide range of well-draining soil conditions, including poor or stony soils. While tolerating neutral to alkaline pH, it prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
Once established, ‘Cavalaire’ oleander is drought-tolerant, needing regular watering only when young or during prolonged dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as soggy conditions can lead to root rot. Fertilization is generally low-maintenance; however, if growth is slow or foliage pale, apply an all-purpose granular fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer.
Pruning ‘Cavalaire’ oleander focuses on maintaining shape, promoting new blooms, and managing size. Pruning is generally needed every two to three years, ideally after its main flowering period in the fall, to rejuvenate the plant and encourage a harmonious form. ‘Cavalaire’ is cold-hardy, withstanding temperatures down to -12 to -15°C (10.4°F to 5°F), making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7b through 10.
Landscape Applications
The ‘Cavalaire’ oleander’s substantial size and dense growth make it excellent for privacy screens and flowering hedges. Its vivid blossoms provide continuous visual interest over several months. It can also be planted as a standalone specimen, serving as a focal point.
This versatile shrub is well-suited for container gardening, especially where winter temperatures fall below its hardiness range, allowing indoor relocation. ‘Cavalaire’ is effective for erosion control on slopes due to its extensive root system. Its tolerance for dry conditions and salt spray makes it valuable for coastal landscapes.
Important Safety Considerations
All parts of the oleander plant, including ‘Cavalaire’, are highly toxic if ingested. It contains cardiac glycosides, such as oleandrin and neriine, which can severely affect the heart and other bodily systems. Even smoke from burning oleander branches can be poisonous.
Due to its toxicity, exercise caution when handling any part of the plant. Wearing protective gloves and long sleeves is recommended when pruning or performing maintenance to prevent skin irritation. Avoid planting ‘Cavalaire’ oleander in areas frequented by small children or pets to minimize accidental ingestion risk.