🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
While beautiful, oleander is HIGHLY TOXIC and should be used with extreme caution. It is not recommended for edible permaculture systems. It can be used as a windbreak or hedge in areas where livestock and children are not present due to its poisonous nature. Some cultivars offer varying flower colors and sizes.
Permapeople description
Nerium oleander is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the dogbane family Apocynaceae, cultivated worldwide in temperate and subtropical areas as an ornamental plant. It is the only species currently classified in the genus Nerium. Oleander is one of the most poisonous commonly grown garden plants.
Botanical description
Nerium oleander is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the dogbane family Apocynaceae, growing to 6–18 feet tall. It is most commonly grown in warmer climates and is known for its profuse blooms of white, pink, or red flowers. The leaves are in pairs or whorls of three, thick and leathery, dark-green, narrow lanceolate, 5–21 cm long and 1–3 cm broad, and with an entire margin filled with small regular venation patterns as seen through a strong lens. The flowers grow in clusters at the end of each branch; they are single or double, 4–6 cm in diameter, with a deeply five-lobed fringed corolla round the central tube. They are often, but not always, sweetly scented. The fruit is a long narrow pair of follicles 5–23 cm long, which splits open at maturity to release numerous downy seeds.
Companion planting
Due to its toxicity, oleander is not a good companion plant for food crops. It can be used as a barrier plant or windbreak, but careful consideration should be given to its placement and the potential for contamination.
Propagation methods
Oleander can be propagated by cuttings (stem cuttings in water or soil), seeds (though germination rates can vary), or layering. Cuttings are the most reliable method.
History and traditions
Oleander has a long history of cultivation, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. It has been used medicinally in some cultures, but due to its toxicity, such uses are strongly discouraged. It has symbolic meanings in various cultures, often associated with caution and beauty. In some traditions, it has been used in funeral rites.
Usage calendar
Flowering typically occurs from spring through summer, with some cultivars blooming year-round in warm climates. Pruning is best done after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Planting is best done in spring or fall.