Nerium Oleander Review
Nerium Oleander is an evergreen shrub widely distributed and cultivated. Originally from South East Asia though its exact origins are hard to pinpoint.
Cultivating Nerium Oleander
- Nerium is a fairly easy shrub to look after. It thrives in hot dry conditions and needs little in the way of care.
- It can grow to 2-6 metres tall, but can be pruned to keep in shape suitable for your back garden.
- No special preparation is needed for planting. Best to choose a sunny, well drained position.
- The main threat to Nerium comes from a hard frost. It is said to be resistant down to temperatures of -6. On particularly cold winters you could give fleece protection or choose a sheltered spot.
- Nerium is a good choice for coastal areas as it is resistant to salt spray.
- The species can be propagated by semi-ripened cuttings in summer or seeds.
Nerium as a Garden Plant
Nerium adds a touch of tropical colour with bright pink or red flowers providing a strong focal point to any garden. Make sure it fits in with surrounding plants. It’s not a plant for a white or blue border. But, if you’re looking for a bright colourful plant to add a touch of the exotic, this is a great value shrub.
Note: The Plant leaves are poisonous and should not be ingested. Also avoid contact with sap.
Historical Notes:
- Nerium features in many of the Roman wall paintings in Pompeii.
- Alexander the Great in his military campaigns is said to have lost men as a result of eating meat skewered on the highly poisonous Nerium twigs.
Related
- Nerium plants from Gardening Express
- Nerium at Kew Gardens