Plant of the week
Oleander
Each week, OGV sub-committee member, Gayle Parkes presents the 'Plant of the Week'. She also posts to OGV's Instagram - make sure you check back weekly for her latest post. This week Gayle brings us the hardy oleander a quiet achiever with masses of very pretty single or double flowers.
Nerium oleander, most commonly known as oleander or nerium, is a shrub or small tree belonging to subfamily Apocynoideae of the dogbane family Apocynaceae and is cultivated worldwide in temperate and subtropical areas as an ornamental and landscaping plant.
Oleanders are in full flower at present and as I drive around my neighbourhood these bushy, evergreen shrubs that grow thickly and quickly in almost any conditions are catching my eye. They sure are one tough species, even flourishing in neglected overgrown gardens. I think it is a fabulous plant, certainly not a flamboyant show off, just a strong, steady all-round quiet achiever, reliably and consistently performing from year to year.
Oleanders are very hardy, rugged shrubs with lance-shaped, rather leathery leaves and masses of very pretty single or double flowers in shades of white, cream, apricot, pink and crimson. I love the pale pink one as the combination of that shade of pink and the colour of the foliage really compliment each other. The flowers stand out against the long, narrow grey/green leaves that have a light midrib, making them reminiscent of olive trees. They flower from early summer right through to late autumn and will grow in all but the coldest climates, hence a sturdy ornamental addition to any landscape. They are so versatile and non-demanding and make a good border, hedge, or screen. Some of the dwarf varieties are a great pick for a potted plant in a hot spot in your garden. All good garden centres will stock them.
Yes, I hear you. Like so many other plants that we grow in our gardens, all parts of oleander are poisonous... if eaten in sufficient quantities. One must avoid growing oleanders in home landscapes where children and pets play.
Once established, an oleander will require little maintenance. They will put up with just about any soil conditions and will grow in most locations including coastal, provided they are planted in full sun. They don’t seem to be bothered by any pests or diseases. Your shrub will take strong pruning if you want to keep it shaped and at its fullest flowering. Otherwise, if you wish, pruning it lightly after flowering will keep it tidy. Apart from this they require little attention and will happily cope with drought, pollution and general neglect. Easy.
Although they are drought-tolerant, they do look their best when watered during dry spells. However, take care not to over water them. Yellowing leaves indicate that the plant is getting too much water. If the soil is poor, feed the plant lightly with a balanced fertilizer during its first spring. Once established though, oleander shrubs don’t require routine fertilizing. Pinching out the tips of young stems reduces legginess and encourages the shrub to branch out.
With dozens of uses in southern and coastal landscapes, they tolerate a wide range of conditions, including difficult soil, salt spray, high pH, severe pruning, reflected heat from pavements and walls, and drought. There are not many large shrubs that can boast such assets. As we all try to become more water wise, the oleander would be a good choice to fill a large sunny spot in your garden.