Overview
Nerium oleander subsp. oleander is a bushy shrubs in the genus Nerium, part of the Apocynaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Nerium oleander subsp. oleander grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, patio and container plants, cottage and informal garden, mediterranean climate plants, low maintenance, hedging and screens and wall side borders.
About
Nerium oleander subsp. oleander is an evergreen shrub known for its bushy habit and linear to narrowly oblong foliage. It produces terminal clusters of salver-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers in spring and summer, followed by elongated, bean-like seed pods. This cultivar thrives in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect and prefers fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Suitable for city and courtyard gardens, patios, containers, and informal or Mediterranean-style gardens, it is hardy to H1b and can be propagated by seed, semi-hardwood cuttings, or air layering in spring.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nerium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Nerium oleander subsp. oleander size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Low Maintenance, Hedging and screens, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nerium oleander subsp. oleander
- Propagation
- Seed, semi-hardwood cuttings, air layering in spring
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, mealybugs, glasshouse red spider mite under glass
- Disease resistance
- Xylella fastidiosa, honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Nerium oleander subsp. oleander?
Nerium oleander subsp. oleander prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Nerium oleander subsp. oleander need?
Nerium oleander subsp. oleander grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Nerium oleander subsp. oleander hardy in the UK?
Nerium oleander subsp. oleander has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Nerium oleander subsp. oleander?
Seed, semi-hardwood cuttings, air layering in spring.
More in the Nerium genus
- Nerium oleander 'Mainate'
- Nerium oleander 'Petite White'
- Nerium oleander 'Souvenir d'Emma Schneider'
- Nerium oleander 'Ville de Carpentras' (d)
- Nerium oleander dwarf
