Oleander (Nerium oleander 'Luteum Plenum') is an evergreen shrub prized for its abundant, fragrant flowers that bloom from summer through fall in shades of purple, pink, or white. Hardy in zones 8-10, this upright, rounded plant grows 4 to 9 feet tall and wide, thriving in full sun to partial shade with moderate water and low maintenance demands. Its narrow, willow-like leaves and showy five-petaled funnel-shaped flowers clustered in terminal cymes make it a striking focal point, while its exceptional drought tolerance means it handles dry conditions with grace once established.
Partial Sun
Moderate
8-10
108in H x 108in W
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High
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Oleander produces an extraordinary abundance of fragrant flowers over an extended season, with the added bonus of being nearly indestructible once established. The narrow, glossy dark green foliage with distinctive midribs remains attractive year-round, and this shrub adapts beautifully to container growing, where it can be trained as a formal ornamental standard or grown as a year-round houseplant in cooler regions. Its genuine drought tolerance and ability to withstand some frost while still maintaining its evergreen presence set it apart for gardeners seeking reliable summer color in challenging conditions.
Oleander serves as an ornamental shrub valued primarily for its stunning summer to fall flowering display. In zones 8-10, it anchors garden beds and borders with reliable color and fragrant blooms. In colder regions, it thrives as a container specimen moved indoors for winter, or as a year-round houseplant where it provides consistent greenery and seasonal flowers. The ability to train specimens as ornamental standards makes it popular for formal garden designs and patio containers.
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In zones 8-10, transplant container-grown oleander outdoors after the final spring frost when soil has warmed. Container specimens grown as annuals or overwintered indoors should harden off gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing periods over 7-10 days before planting. Space plants 4 to 9 feet apart, allowing room for their mature spread.
Oleander responds well to pruning to maintain shape or train specimens as ornamental standards. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and thin out crowded interior growth to improve air circulation, which helps prevent leaf spot disease. Container specimens trained as standards benefit from regular shaping to maintain their formal appearance.
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