How to Plant Oleander: 5 Common Oleander Varieties

Nerium oleander, commonly known as oleander, is a flowering shrub cultivated throughout the world that is native to the Mediterranean regions of North Africa, Eastern Europe, and Southwest Asia. The oleander shrub is immediately identifiable by its height—most mature varieties can grow between six and 20 feet—with leathery whorls or arrangements of three smooth, dark-green leaves and showy, five-petaled clusters of white, red, or pink flowers.

Oleander is a drought-tolerant plant that grows perennially in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 10, which include Florida, Texas, and California. This evergreen shrub proliferates year-round and is low maintenance, making it a popular choice for landscaping in parks, as containment plants around homes, and even along highways, though they can also be grown as houseplants.

There are many different oleander varieties, all resistant to heat, salt spray, and drought. However, oleander are also poisonous plants. All parts of the plant, whether dried or green, contain toxic compounds, and ingestion of even a tiny amount can cause severe side effects in both humans and animals.

Oleander, a member of the Apocynaceae family of flowering plants, is very toxic for humans and certain animals, like dogs or horses. Ingesting oleander can be hazardous because, like foxglove (digitalis) and lily of the valley, the plant contains toxic compounds called cardiac glycosides. These compounds, which include oleandrin and digitoxigenin, can adversely affect the body when ingested.

Contact with oleander sap can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions; even using a branch for firewood or as a food skewer can cause ill effects. Contact a poison control center immediately if oleander poisoning is suspected.

There are many varieties of oleander. Here is a representative sample by flower color:

1. 1. Pink: The ‘Kewpie’ cultivar has pale pink flowers and reaches a height of 10 feet. It’s named for Maureen Elizabeth “Kewpie” Gaido, the founder of the International Oleander Society. Petite Pink is a dwarf oleander that reaches three to four feet in height and is more susceptible to cold than other varieties, while Sealy Pink can grow six to eight feet when mature and produces single flowers.
2. 2. Red: Hardy Red is a very durable cultivar and able to withstand light frost. It grows to eight feet in height and produces single, deep-red flowers. Other red oleanders include the cold-tolerant Calypso with its cherry-red flowers and Algiers, which boasts single, dark red flowers, while Cardinal Red’s single flowers are bright red.
3. 3. Salmon pink: The Hardy Pink variety is cold-tolerant and reaches eight feet in height. Petite Salmon grows four to six feet tall but is more adverse to cold weather.
4. 4. White: Growers will find a diverse array of white oleander flowers available to them, including Sister Agnes, which reaches 12 feet in height and blooms in large white flowers, and the dwarf White Sands, which tops off at six feet.
5. 5. Yellow: Varieties of yellow oleander, or Thevetia peruviana, include the Island of Capri, with its single light yellow flowers, and Mathilde Ferrer or Double Yellow, which produces double flowers and can reach 15 feet in height. Double Yellow is the most commonly available yellow oleander.

The best way to grow oleander is through propagation, which is the process of developing new plants from stems, leaf cuttings, or seeds. You can plant oleander at any time of the year, but early spring and fall are the optimum planting periods.

1. 1. Choose a planting site. Oleander grows best in full sun, which helps it produce more flowers, though it can also thrive in partial shade. The evergreen shrub prefers warm, Mediterranean climates but can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 and 20 degrees. However, that degree of chill can cause damage to its leaves.
2. 2. Prepare the soil. Nearly all soil types will grow oleander, but poor soil may need compost before planting. A container with good drainage is necessary for any oleander grown in containers.
3. 3. Propagate from a cutting. The best way to grow oleander is to propagate the plant from a cutting. Cut the oleander stem to a length of six to eight inches just below the leaf node. Place the cutting in a mix of water and root stimulant or add it directly to the soil or organic material.
4. 4. Growing from seed. You can also grow oleander from seeds by starting them indoors. Place the oleander seeds in pots or seed trays with moist peat, then press them into the soil without burying them. Cover the pots with plastic wrap and keep them in a warm place; keep them moist until new plants grow. Oleander plants will take one to three months to sprout.
5. 5. Transplant. Once your plants produce a few sets of leaves, add them to your garden or a large pot. If you’re transplanting the seedlings into your garden, dig a hole that is 12–15 inches deep. If you’re planting multiples, give each plant four to five feet of space so they have ample room to grow.
6. 6. Water. Water the planting area to settle the soil and help the seedlings establish roots in their new home.

Here are some plant care tips to consider when growing oleander:

1. 1. Prune in early spring or late fall. Oleander can withstand hard pruning, and larger oleander varieties can even be shaped into small trees. Since new growth and blooming usually occur during the summer, prune your oleander shrub or oleander tree in the early spring or late fall. Remove any damaged wood and dead flowers to promote longer blooms.
2. 2. Water. Oleander can often be found near riverbeds so that they can tolerate alternating periods of drought and abundant water. On average, an oleander plant doesn’t require much water but allow time for the soil to dry out between watering, as excessive watering can cause root disease.
3. 3. Watch for pests. Aphids, mealybugs, and scale are the most common insect pests for oleander, and gardeners can repel them with insecticidal soap. The oleander caterpillar is frequently found in Florida and certain southeastern states and will devour the oleander leaves without harming the plant itself. Cut off any leaves with caterpillar larvae and freeze them for 24 hours. Wear protective gear to pick adults off by hand because, like the plant itself, the oleander caterpillar can cause skin irritation if handled without gloves.

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