Oleander Plant

A Deadly Beauty – Oleander

Executive summary about Oleander Plant by Herb Leibacher

Oleander is one of the most beautiful of all the shrubs, but caution should be used when planting this shrub. Every part of this beautiful plant is deadly, the leaves, sap, wood and flowers. This attractive evergreen grows best in warm climates and will produce heavy scented, brightly colored flowers from late spring to fall. This shrub is beautiful but deadly to humans and animals.

Late spring brings the first buds of the Oleander that bloom clear into late fall. Oleander is not native to the United States but will do very well in warm states such as Florida, California and Texas. Dry, windy conditions do not adversely affect the growth of this plant. Coastal regions are also where the Oleander will do well. Marshy soils with a salt content will be just fine with the Oleander.

Oleander can be trimmed and kept at the bush state of six to twelve feet or left to grow into small trees that will reach about twenty feet in height. The shrubs make beautiful raised borders or fence decoration. Oleander plants need to be placed in a site with full sun or a light shade. The soil should be well drained, though Oleanders will adapt to dry conditions and marshy soils.

Oleanders can be planted in the spring or fall. The plants will need 6 to 12 feet of distance between them, depending on how large you want the plant to grow and the variety of the plant.