Nerium oleander is a vigorous evergreen shrub famed for its profuse clusters of pink, red, white or salmon flowers borne through the warm months. Narrow, leathery, willow-like leaves clothe upright stems, forming a dense screen or large specimen. Exceptionally tough, it withstands heat, drought, pollution and coastal salt, making it a mainstay of Indian roadsides, dividers and gardens. It flowers freely in full sun with minimal care and tolerates poor soils. Note that every part is highly toxic if eaten, so site it away from children and grazing animals. For low-effort, long-season colour in harsh conditions, oleander is hard to beat.
Specifications
| Family |
Apocynaceae |
| Native region |
Mediterranean to Southwest Asia |
| Mature height |
2-4 m |
| Mature spread |
2-3 m |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Narrow, leathery, evergreen |
| Flower colour |
Pink, red, white, salmon |
| Flower season |
Spring through autumn (warm months) |
| Climate zone |
Tropical, subtropical, Mediterranean |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun for best flowering |
| Watering |
Drought-tolerant; water moderately, more when potted |
| Soil / mix |
Tolerates most soils; prefers well-drained |
| Temperature |
Heat-loving, 20-40°C; hardy and tough |
| Humidity |
Adapts to low and high humidity |
| Fertilizer |
Light balanced feed in growing season |
| Pruning |
Prune after flowering; wear gloves due to toxicity |
| Repotting |
Every 2-3 years for container plants |
| Propagation |
Soft or semi-hardwood cuttings root easily |
| Pests & problems |
Oleander scale, aphids, caterpillars |
| Toxicity / safety |
Highly toxic in all parts if ingested |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
Excellent for hedges, screens, road dividers and large pots in hot, dry or coastal sites. Provides long-lasting colour where tougher plants struggle, though it must be kept away from children and pets.
Growing tips
In India, oleander thrives on neglect in full sun and poor soil, needing little water once established. Always wear gloves when pruning and wash hands, as the plant is highly poisonous.