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Oleander
Nerium oleander
L.
NEAR-ee-um
OH-lee-an-der
Apocynaceae
Explanation of
name: Nerium is the original Greek name, and Oleander is the
original Italian name (DEH).
Natural range:
Mediterranean, Asia
Natural habitat:
Low areas, seasonal streambeds, shores in otherwise arid areas
Recognition:
Very narrowly elliptic leaves in whorls. Juice not milky. Flowers funnel-shaped,
colorful (reddish, purplish, white, yellow, single or doubled), usually
fragrant.
Cultivars are
numerous, varying from dwarfs to small trees, with diverse flower colors and
sometimes with double flowers. Some are non-fragrant.
Landscape uses:
Tough, drought-tolerant, fast-growing, inexpensive, colorful, reliable blooms in
varied hues, depending on the cultivar. Extremely (fatally) poisonous even in
small doses. Has killed children using the branches as barbecue sticks. Other
problems include Oleander Caterpillars, and aphids (PBCC). Used in clumps,
foundation plantings, mass plantings, screens, and roadsides. Salt-tolerant.
Bounces back readily from severe pruning or injury.
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Botanical |
English |
FL native |
Growth form
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Flowering season
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Typical dimensions
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Suggested spacing |
Cultural conditions
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Problems |
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Nerium oleander
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Oleander |
Exotic |
Shrub
(rarely Small Tree) |
Most of the year, esp. warm months (PBCC) |
Depends on cultivar, the largest to 20’ X
12’ |
Depends on cultivar |
SU
WI
ST
DT
(PBCC)
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Deadly toxins
Aphids
Caterpillars
Escapes cultivation |
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