About
This half-hardy evergreen shrub, up to 6m high, with an upright to spreading habit and lance-shaped green leaves to 20cm long. Open clusters of red flowers are produced in summer.
About the genus
Nerium are evergreen shrubs with linear or narrowly oblong leaves and terminal clusters of salver- or funnel-shaped flowers, followed by long, bean-like seed-pods
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten, smoke from burning is harmful. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationOutdoors, grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Where winters are not reliably mild, grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light; ventilate well. During growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid feed monthly. Water sparingly in winter
PruningSee pruning group 9; will tolerate hard pruning if necessary to restrict size
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer; sow seed at 16°C in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs and red spider mite under glass
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)