Family: Apocynaceae
(Oleander)
Attractive shrubs grown for their hardness and showy flowers.
Oleanders are known to survive areas that are never watered or cared for, hence their suitability to water-wise gardens and acreage.
Although from Mediterranean climate, the oleander is well adapted to most districts from the tropics to warm temperate.
As the plant has a suckering habit it is possible to prune the plant almost down to ground level, and let the plant fully reflush with new growth. However, it is best to give a medium prune back each year after flowering.
Choices
N. oleander is the only species cultivated, and there are many coloured versions, plus dwarfs.
Landscape uses
Seaside; roadside; hedges, ornamental topiary
Problem
All parts of this plant are reportedly poisonous.
