Nerium Oleander Review

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

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.

Nerium
Nerium

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.

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