Oleander Flower
Nerium oleander L. (syn. Nerium indicum Mill.)
Oleander flowers are showy, five-petaled blooms in clusters that come in white, pink, red, yellow, and purple. These Mediterranean beauties are heat and drought-tolerant but highly toxic, symbolizing both beauty and danger.
Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)
Early summer to mid-autumn; year-round in zones 9b-11
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Cultural Significance
Oleander embodies the duality of beauty and danger. In Mediterranean cultures, it represents the complexity of love and life. The name "oleander" may derive from the resemblance to olive leaves. In Victorian flower language, oleander meant "beware." The plant's extreme toxicity is legendary; ancient armies reportedly poisoned enemies' water supplies with oleander branches. Despite its danger, oleander has been celebrated in art and literature for its stunning flowers. In some Middle Eastern traditions, it symbolizes destiny. Modern highway departments plant oleander for its beauty, hardiness, and low maintenance, creating corridors of color that require minimal care.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun for best flowering; tolerates partial shade but will be leggy
Water
Low; extremely drought-tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging
Soil
Well-drained, Tolerates poor soils, Sandy, Loamy, Alkaline tolerant
Expert Growing Tips
Prune in early spring before new growth
Blooms on new wood, so spring pruning increases flowering
Remove suckers at base to maintain tree form
Extremely heat, drought, and salt-tolerant
CAUTION: All parts extremely toxic; handle with gloves
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Highway median plantings
- Screen or hedge
- Specimen shrub or small tree
- Coastal gardens (salt-spray tolerant)
- Xeriscaping and low-maintenance landscapes
Traditional Uses
- Historically used in traditional medicine (extremely dangerous)
- Contains cardiac glycosides similar to digitalis
- Modern medicine does not use oleander due to toxicity
- All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
- Even smoke from burning trimmings is toxic
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Oleander Flower
Is oleander really that poisonous?
Yes, all parts of oleander are extremely toxic if ingested. Even chewing once on a leaf can cause serious illness requiring hospitalization. Keep away from children, pets, and livestock. Even burning the plant produces toxic smoke.
Why is oleander planted along highways?
Oleander is ideal for highway medians because it is extremely heat and drought-tolerant, requires minimal maintenance, tolerates poor soil and pollution, and provides year-round color with continuous flowering in warm climates.
Can I touch oleander flowers?
Yes, touching oleander flowers and leaves is generally safe, though sap can cause skin irritation in some people. Always wash hands after handling and wear gloves when pruning. Never burn oleander trimmings.
What colors do oleander flowers come in?
Oleander flowers come in white, shades of pink, red, purple, salmon, peach, yellow, and coral. Both single and double-flowered forms exist, with double forms often being fragrant.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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