Oleander: Tough, Fragrant, and Sun-Loving

Botanical Name: Nerium oleander

Oleander is an easy, vigorous flowering shrub — if you can give it sun. Narrow, dark-green leaves cover woody branches. Flat-petaled flower clusters (2 inches wide) in pink, red, white, yellow, coral, or salmon (single or double, often fragrant) appear at stem tips. A member of the periwinkle family, it's fast-growing and can be invasive in-ground — another reason to containerize.

Care for Maximum Blooms

Prune Hard for Shape and Flowers

Prune in fall after flowering — cut back hard to force branching and a rounded form. Flowers form on new stem tips, so pruning = more blooms. Cut at 45°, ¼ inch above a leaf node with clean, sharp pruners.

Overwinter Indoors

Frost-tender. Bring in when nights hit 55°F (13°C). Some varieties are hardier, but all dislike cold.

Repot When Roots Emerge

Spring, when roots grow through drainage holes. This plant doesn't like crowding — it's a vigorous grower that does well in containers.

Watch for Pests

Aphids and scale on stems and leaf undersides, especially if summered outdoors. Treat immediately.

⚠ Caution: All parts are highly poisonous. Do not grow indoors with children or pets. Ingestion can cause serious illness or death.

Quick Reference: Oleander Care

• Origin: Mediterranean
• Height: Up to 6 ft (1.8 m)
• Light: Bright light with 4+ hours direct sun daily
• Water: Generous, evenly moist in growing season; sparing in winter rest
• Humidity: Average room humidity
• Temperature: Warm 70–85°F (21–29°C) active; cooler winter 55°F (13°C)
• Soil: 8 parts all-purpose mix, 1 part sand, 1 part perlite
• Fertilizer: Balanced liquid every 2 weeks spring–summer, diluted by half
• Propagation: 4-inch stem tip cuttings early summer, rooting hormone, moist mix, bright light — roots in ~2 weeks