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