NERIUM OLEANDER

Nerium oleander is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft). It is hardy to zone 8. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Jun to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs). Habitats are River banks and river gravels in Europe. The whole plant is very poisonous.

Prefers a heavy soil. Prefers a light soil according to another report. Requires a position in full sun. Prefers a fertile well-drained soil. Lime tolerant. Plants are very tolerant of heat and also of drought once they are established. Grows well in maritime gardens, tolerating salt-laden winds. This species is not very hardy in Britain, though plants tolerate temperatures down to -5°c and short periods of temperatures down to -10°c. A popular greenhouse pot plant that can be grown outdoors in the summer, it can be grown outdoors all year round in the milder areas such as Cornwall. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties. Plants are shy to flower when grown outdoors. The flowers have a soft sweet perfume.