Oleander (Nerium oleander) is an attractive, evergreen shrub prized for its dense foliage and prolific, colorful blooms. Highly valued in warm climates (USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11), it is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives in challenging landscapes. Often used for hedges and screens, this hardy plant is a popular choice for gardeners. This guide covers selecting, purchasing, handling, and caring for oleander.
Choosing the Right Oleander for Your Space
Oleanders offer a range of sizes and flower colors, depending on your garden’s needs. Standard varieties grow into large shrubs or small trees, reaching 6 to 20 feet high and up to 10 feet wide. For smaller areas, dwarf cultivars like ‘Petite Pink’ or ‘Dwarf Red’ mature at a compact 3 to 5 feet, requiring minimal pruning.
The flowers bloom in shades of white, pink, red, salmon, and yellow, appearing as single or double blossoms. Single-flowered types often drop spent blooms cleanly, while double-flowered varieties may offer a slight fragrance. Inspect any potential purchase for overall vigor, looking for vibrant green leaves without discoloration, spots, or signs of pest infestation. A healthy specimen will have firm, attached leaves and stems, indicating it is ready to establish itself.
Locating and Purchasing Your Plant
The ideal time to buy and plant oleander is in the spring or early summer when the plant begins its vigorous growth cycle. Your choice of retailer—local nursery, big-box store, or online specialist—determines the quality, variety, and level of advice you receive.
Local independent nurseries are often the best source for high-quality specimens. Their plants receive specialized care and are often sourced regionally, adjusting better to local conditions. Staff at these centers possess extensive knowledge and can offer tailored advice on the best variety for your specific microclimate or soil type.
Big-box garden centers are generally more accessible and offer plants at competitive prices. However, their stock is often limited to common varieties, and the plants may have a higher risk of pests or disease due to less personalized care. If seeking a specific or rare cultivar, online specialty retailers are often the only option. Purchasing online allows access to a broader selection, but prevents physical inspection of the plant’s health before arrival.
Critical Safety Information and Handling
Every part of the oleander plant is highly toxic if ingested. The plant contains potent cardiac glycosides, such as oleandrin and neriine, which can severely affect the digestive system and disrupt the heart’s rhythm. This toxicity extends to the leaves, flowers, stems, roots, and the smoke from burning the plant’s debris.
Place the shrub away from areas where children or pets, including livestock, may come into contact with it. When planting, pruning, or disposing of trimmings, wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid skin irritation from the toxic sap. Should accidental ingestion occur, immediately contact a local emergency number or the Poison Help hotline for urgent medical instruction; do not attempt to induce vomiting.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Oleanders are low-maintenance and thrive in full sun, though light shade may result in reduced flowering. They adapt well to a wide range of well-drained soils, including poor or sandy conditions. While exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, young plants require regular, deep watering to develop a robust root system.
Established plants need only occasional watering during extended dry periods; yellowing foliage indicates overwatering. Fertilize the plant once or twice a year during the spring and summer growing season with a balanced, slow-release product. Pruning should be done in the late fall or early spring to shape the shrub and remove dead or damaged branches. Since oleander blooms on new wood, pruning encourages fresh growth and a more abundant display of flowers.