Nerium oleander Oleander (Apocynaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Nerium oleander
Oleander
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Nerium oleander plant species is found in S.W. Europe to E. Asia. It is a member of the Apocynaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Oleander. Some home gardeners know the variety as N. indica. N. odorum.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Nerium oleander
Common Name:  Oleander
Family:  Apocynaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The whole plant is very poisonous[1, 19, 65]. Skin contact with the plant can cause irritation whilst ingestion leads to death[200]. Death has been known to follow the use of the wood of this plant as a meat skewer[200].

Mature Height:  4   Mature Width:  4

Habitat:  River banks and river gravels in Europe[50].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a heavy soil[49]. Prefers a light soil according to another report[202]. Requires a position in full sun[49, 184]. Prefers a fertile well-drained soil[200]. Lime tolerant[200, 202]. Plants are very tolerant of heat and also of drought once they are established[166]. Grows well in maritime gardens, tolerating salt-laden winds[200]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, though plants tolerate short periods of temperatures down to -10°c[184, 200]. A popular greenhouse plant, it can be grown outdoors successfully in Cornwall[1]. A very ornamental plant[1], there are many named varieties[200]. Plants are shy to flower when grown outdoors[49, 59]. The flowers have a soft sweet perfume[245].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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