The Oleander ‘Provence’ (Nerium oleander) is a popular cultivar known for its Mediterranean charm and abundant blooms. This evergreen shrub adds vibrant color to gardens. It is a favored choice for its beauty and resilience.
Unique Features of Oleander ‘Provence’
The ‘Provence’ cultivar features large clusters of fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers. These blooms are typically soft salmon-pink, sometimes with a touch of pale yellow. They are often described as triple flowers, having multiple layers of petals for a full, lush appearance.
This variety grows into a bushy, rounded to vase-shaped shrub, reaching 6 to 12 feet (1.8 to 3.6 meters) in height and spread. Its dense, evergreen foliage consists of leathery, lance-shaped leaves. ‘Provence’ is also known for its toughness, heat tolerance, and delightful fragrance.
Cultivating Oleander ‘Provence’
Light Requirements
Oleander ‘Provence’ thrives in full sun, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. This optimizes its growth and flowering. While it tolerates partial shade, less light can lead to fewer blooms and a leggy plant.
Soil Preferences
This cultivar adapts to various soil conditions but performs best in well-draining soil. It grows vigorously in fertile, loose, sandy loam. Oleander ‘Provence’ prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, with an optimal pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
Watering
Oleander ‘Provence’ is drought-tolerant once established, reflecting its Mediterranean origins. While it withstands dry periods, consistent watering during its growing season encourages more impressive blooms. During warm, dry periods, watering about once a week supports consistent foliage and bloom production.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and blooming, fertilize Oleander ‘Provence’ during its active growing seasons. Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer in spring to support foliage development. Container plants benefit from a balanced 10-10-10 granular fertilizer every four to six weeks. Established ground plants may only need a light yearly dose after the first spring. Reduce or cease feeding entirely during winter dormancy.
Pruning
Pruning Oleander ‘Provence’ manages its size, maintains shape, and encourages healthy growth and prolific blooming. The best time for general pruning is late winter to early spring, before new growth begins, as oleanders bloom on new wood. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and plant health. Lightly prune to shape the plant, avoiding removal of more than one-third of the bush at a time.
Overwintering Oleander ‘Provence’
Oleander ‘Provence’ exhibits some cold tolerance. However, in regions where temperatures consistently drop below freezing, protective measures are necessary. Container growing is a practical solution, allowing the plant to be moved indoors for winter.
Before colder weather, prune the plant by about two-thirds if overwintering indoors. For ground plants in borderline hardiness zones, apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the root zone for insulation. Placing the plant in a sheltered area, like a garage with a window or a porch, protects it from harsh frosts while providing light. During winter, reduce watering, keeping the plant fairly dry, and avoid fertilization until spring.
Safety Considerations
All parts of the Oleander plant, including the ‘Provence’ cultivar, are highly toxic if ingested by humans or animals. This toxicity stems from cardiac glycosides, such as oleandrin and neriine, which can affect the heart, nervous system, and other organs. Even small amounts can cause serious illness, and ingestion can be fatal.
Symptoms of oleander poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, and irregular heart rhythms. Contact with the plant’s sap can also cause skin irritation or blistering. When handling Oleander ‘Provence’, wear protective gloves and long sleeves to prevent skin contact. Dispose of all plant trimmings carefully; never burn oleander material, as the smoke is also toxic. If ingestion is suspected, seek immediate medical attention and remove any plant residues from the mouth.