Plants
Oleander
Nerium oleander · Hundsgiftgewächse (Apocynaceae)
Oleander is the essence of a Mediterranean summer: a hardy container shrub that flowers tirelessly from June to September in pink, white, red or yellow. Easy-going and heat-tolerant, it rewards a sunny, warm spot with abundant bloom. At the Veiling Rhein-Maas we select sturdy, well-branched plants carrying plenty of buds so the flowering season runs as long as possible.
- Light
- Full sun and warmth; a bright spot against a south-facing wall or on a sunny terrace is ideal.
- Watering
- High water demand during the growing season, watering daily on hot days; tolerates standing water in the saucer for short periods.
- Care level
- Easy
- Botanical
- Nerium oleander
Oleander grows into an evergreen shrub of two to three metres but stays easy to shape in a container. Its leathery, lance-shaped leaves usually sit in whorls of three and form a dark-green frame for the terminal clusters of bloom. Depending on the variety the flowers are single or double, some faintly scented, others almost odourless.
In floristry and plant retail, oleander matters above all as a terrace and balcony plant. As a summer container it lends entrances, restaurants and gardens a southern flair. The odd flowering branch finds its way into Mediterranean-inspired arrangements, though the toxic milky sap calls for care here.
Quality shows in compact, multi-stemmed growth, healthy dark foliage free of scale insects, and plenty of buds rather than just a few open flowers. We favour plants with a firm crown and clean stem that come straight from the auction rather than passing through several intermediaries, which keeps them vigorous.
Stylistically oleander pairs with Mediterranean arrangements of small olive trees, lavender, citrus or agapanthus. A terracotta pot underlines the southern character, while plain anthracite vessels frame the flower colour in a modern way. Several oleanders in different colours side by side create a lively, summery effect.
Care
- 01Position: full sun and warmth, ideally against a heat-retaining house wall; the more sun, the richer the bloom.
- 02Watering: generous during the growing season, daily on hot days; the saucer may briefly hold water, as oleander tolerates wet feet better than most container plants.
- 03Feeding: weekly from March to October with a Mediterranean liquid fertiliser in the watering water to encourage buds.
- 04Pruning: cut back after flowering or in spring; always wear gloves, as the milky sap can irritate skin.
- 05Overwintering: keep frost-free at zero to ten degrees in a bright spot; only return outdoors once the last late frosts have passed.
Frequently asked
- Is oleander poisonous to cats, dogs and children?
- Yes, every part of the plant is highly toxic. Oleander contains cardiac glycosides such as oleandrin; even small amounts can cause serious poisoning in pets and children. Place the plant out of reach and wear gloves when pruning.
- When does oleander flower and for how long?
- The main flowering season runs from June to September. Given a sunny spot, regular feeding and enough water, oleander keeps producing fresh buds all summer and blooms for several months.
- How do you overwinter oleander correctly?
- Oleander is hardy only to about minus five degrees and should move into a bright, cool winter quarters at zero to ten degrees in late autumn. Water sparingly there and do not feed. From May, after the last frosts, it can go back outside.
- Why is my oleander not flowering?
- Usually it lacks sun, warmth or nutrients. Oleander needs the brightest spot, plenty of water and weekly feeding in season. Pruning too hard or at the wrong time can also cost buds, as many varieties flower on the previous year's wood.