Oleander
Nerium oleander
Family: Apocynaceae · Also called Rose Bay, Adelfa, Kaner, Nerium oleander atropurpureum-plenum, Nerium oleander var. flore-variegato, Nerium kotschyi
Powdery & Soft · Summer–Autumn bloomer
Oleander is the Mediterranean's most luxuriant flowering shrub, clusters of rose-like flowers in white, pink, salmon, red, or yellow blooming non-stop through the hottest, driest months when everything else wilts. It lines highways, fills gardens, and defines the visual character of warm-climate cities from Seville to Dubai.
caution, beauty with danger, desire
In the Victorian language of flowers, oleander means “Beware, beauty conceals danger”. One of the most toxic common garden plants, all parts contain cardiac glycosides that can be lethal. Despite this, it's planted ubiquitously in Mediterranean regions, California highway medians, and Middle Eastern gardens for its drought tolerance and continuous bloom. Ancient texts record its toxicity; modern incidents occur when people use oleander wood for cooking skewers.
Did You Know?
Oleander is so toxic that burning the wood releases poisonous smoke, and honey made primarily from oleander nectar can be dangerous. Yet it's one of the most widely planted ornamentals in the world because nothing else blooms so profusely in extreme heat and drought. It can survive desert conditions, salt spray, highway pollution, and total neglect.
River beds, coastal areas, and dry stream courses in Mediterranean and subtropical climates
Oleander is native to Mediterranean, Middle East, South Asia. It naturally grows in river beds, coastal areas, and dry stream courses in mediterranean and subtropical climates.
Scent Profile
“A sweet, almond-vanilla fragrance with powdery warmth, oleander's scent on warm Mediterranean evenings is distinctive and pleasant, belying the plant's extreme toxicity.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameNerium oleander
- FamilyApocynaceae
- Native ToMediterranean, Middle East, South Asia
- Bloom SeasonSummer–Autumn
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
One of the most toxic common garden plants, all parts contain cardiac glycosides that can be lethal. Despite this, it's planted ubiquitously in Mediterranean regions, California highway medians, and Middle Eastern gardens for its drought tolerance and continuous bloom. Ancient texts record its toxicity; modern incidents occur when people use oleander wood for cooking skewers.