Oleander
(Nerium oleander)
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
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Challiyan Wikipedia
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Estimated Native Range
Summary
Nerium oleander, commonly known as Oleander, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to a wide range of habitats including dry stream beds, rocky slopes, and coastal areas of the Mediterranean Basin, as well as Southwest Asia and North Africa. It typically grows to 2–6 m (7–20 ft) tall and is adaptable to various environmental conditions. Oleander has a dense, rounded to spreading form with lance-shaped, leathery leaves. It produces showy clusters of white, pink, or red five-lobed flowers throughout the year, with a peak in summer. The fruit is a long, narrow pair of follicles that release numerous downy seeds when mature.
Oleander is valued for its drought tolerance, ornamental flowers, and ability to thrive in poor soils. It is commonly used for hedging, screening, and as a free-standing specimen in landscapes. While it can tolerate a range of light conditions, it flourishes in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. Oleander is highly toxic if ingested, which should be considered when planting in areas accessible to children and pets. It is also potentially invasive in some regions, such as the United States, and local guidelines should be consulted before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Oleander is valued for its drought tolerance, ornamental flowers, and ability to thrive in poor soils. It is commonly used for hedging, screening, and as a free-standing specimen in landscapes. While it can tolerate a range of light conditions, it flourishes in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. Oleander is highly toxic if ingested, which should be considered when planting in areas accessible to children and pets. It is also potentially invasive in some regions, such as the United States, and local guidelines should be consulted before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 6-20 feet
- Width: 4-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Dry stream beds, rocky slopes, and coastal areas of the Mediterranean Basin, Southwest Asia, and North Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Gewöhnlicher Oleander , Common Oleander , Rose-Bay , 협죽도
Scientific Names: Nerium oleander , Nerium oleander var. oleander , Nerium odorum , Nerium indicum var. plenum , Nerion oleandrum , Nerium haquevillei
GBIF Accepted Name: Nerium oleander L.