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Information about plants & gardens for Brisbane & Qld |
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Oleander
Nerium oleander species, hybrids & cultivars
Family: Apocynaceae
The oleander is a popular ornamental in the Mediterranean region, to which it's native. It used to be very common in Queensland gardens, too, although not planted as much now, perhaps because of its well-known poisonous qualities
However, it might be time to reconsider oleander, especially in landscapes where children or livestock are unlikely to come into contact with the plant. Oleanders are drought and heat tolerant yet pretty, with flowers in a range of colours.
Actual incidence of poisoning is very rare considering how widespread they are. For more on toxicity see Plants and mushrooms (fungi) poisonous to people - Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service.
White, pink, red and salmon/apricot-toned varieties are available. Some varieties are very tall (around 3 metres) but there a number of smaller-growing cultivars to choose from. Most garden centres in areas where oleander grows are likely to carry a few types. However, if you're seeking a greater choice of colours or bulk quantities for hedging (for example), you may need to seek out alternative suppliers.
Oleanders were discussed in greater detail in the 05-11-2021 edition of Get Results Gardening. If you garden in Australia, especially the warmer regions that allow you to grow tropical and subtropical plants, you'll find plenty of other useful information in this weekly email publication. Find out how to get a free trial at calyx.com.au/getresultsgardening.html. Ask for a copy of the 05-11-2021 edition to be sent as well if you want to read the Oleander article (Australian residents only, please)
Oleanders in the Landscape
This collection of images that will be added to over time. Identifications were made based on the most commonly grown types and their characteristics, but can't be relied upon 100%. Nevertheless, these photos should give you an impression of oleanders' general manner of growth habit and suitable (or unsuitable) positions for them.
Single pink, probably 'Punctatum'. This may be the same as 'Monsieur Belaguier'.
'Splendens' has a deep pink double flower on a large bush.
'Madoni grandiflorum' ('Madonna', 'Madonna Grandiflorum')
Single pale pink, probably 'Souvenir d’August Roger'
Single deep pink-red, possibly 'Doctor Golfin'
'Petite Salmon' is the most widely grown dwarf variety
Seed pods on Nerium (late June, 2013 Brisbane)
Pruning
A mature shrub of 'Splendens' thinned to a few trunks, but resprouting from the cut stumps
A very old 'Punctatum' reduced by thinning, but heavy resprouting from base here too.
Looking for more information about growing Oleander in Queensland? Due to the demise of online advertising and the risk of appropriation by AI bots and others, most of the in-depth information intended for these webpages is now being directed towards the email publication (mini-magazine) Get Results Gardening. If you live in Australia, ask for a free trial. Go to calyx.com.au/getresultsgardening.html for more information. At the same time, you can ask for a copy of the 05-11-2021 edition, which contained an article about Oleander.
 ABN 38 518 961 623 |
