Cascabela thevetia, the yellow oleander or peela kaner, is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree bearing fragrant, funnel-shaped yellow (sometimes apricot) flowers almost year-round in warm climates. Its narrow, glossy, willow-like leaves form a dense, attractive canopy. Extremely heat- and drought-hardy, it flourishes in poor soils, coastal sites and polluted urban settings, making it popular for hedges, screens and roadside planting in India. Round green fruits ripen to black and contain extremely poisonous seeds, so keep it well away from children and pets. Undemanding and reliably colourful, it is a sturdy choice for tough, sunny locations.
Specifications
| Family |
Apocynaceae |
| Native region |
Tropical America |
| Mature height |
3-6 m |
| Mature spread |
2-4 m |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Narrow, glossy, evergreen |
| Flower colour |
Bright yellow, sometimes apricot or peach |
| Flower season |
Almost year-round in warm climates |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun for best flowering |
| Watering |
Drought-tolerant; water moderately when young |
| Soil / mix |
Adapts to most well-drained soils |
| Temperature |
Heat-loving, 22-40°C; frost-tender |
| Humidity |
Tolerates a wide humidity range |
| Fertilizer |
Light balanced feed in growing season |
| Pruning |
Trim to shape; wear gloves, sap is toxic |
| Repotting |
Every 2-3 years for potted plants |
| Propagation |
Seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings |
| Pests & problems |
Generally pest-resistant; occasional scale |
| Toxicity / safety |
Highly toxic; seeds especially deadly |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
Used for screens, hedges and roadside planting in hot, dry locations where it provides constant yellow colour. Strictly ornamental and must be sited away from children, pets and grazing animals.
Growing tips
In Indian gardens it thrives in full sun and poor soil with little watering once established. Always wear gloves when pruning and dispose of the toxic seed pods safely.