Oleander Facts
A plant not native to the United States, oleander facts show that it is easily grown in just about any southern U.S. location, nevertheless. Distinctive red flowers identify this perennial shrub that can also be considered a small tree.
The oleander is not a winter plant, nor can it survive in areas that experience winters. The tolerance for cold weather of the oleander, facts indicate, is limited to temperatures of below zero. It is, however, highly drought tolerant. Coastal areas find this shrub to be a great feature, since they do thrive in seaside conditions; salty spray and wind do not affect its performance at all.
Once established, the oleander requires very little care. It is a fast growing shrub that forms mounds, which means it will require a lot of space to grow and spread in the landscape. Very ornamental foliage adorns the bush; dark green and smooth, the leaves are long with narrow widths. Full sun creates the best showcase for the oleander; facts point to a looser foliage format when the plant is grown in too much shade. Placing the oleander next to a wall also produces great results, as the reflected heat is appreciated by the oleander.
As if it needed it, an even more ornamental and attractive appearance can be attained with the oleander. While some enjoy its full, rounded shrub shape, others prefer the open, sophisticated appearance of a trimmed tree. It is an easy method to trim the oleander; facts from gardening experts maintain that the oleander is easily trained to form a multi-branched small tree by clipping lower branches.
The flowers are the true attraction of the oleander. Colors can range from white varieties, such as the Sister Agnes or White Oleander, to salmon pink as in the Petite Salmon or to the brilliant yellow of the Matilde Ferrier. Most common varieties are the reds, however; oleander facts show that the majority of the commonly found varieties are cherry or deep red blossoms. The flowers of the oleander can be single blooms or double blooms, with double blooms being the most common. Single blooms drop from the tree in a single piece when the flower dies off, while the double blooms tend to cling tenaciously to the branches after dying.
A word of warning to those who have an interest in acquiring an oleander bush: oleander facts indicate that this plant is extremely toxic. Consuming the tiniest of amounts of any part of the oleander can result in death. There have been reports of children who, during play, have placed a twig from an oleander shrub in their mouth intending to use it as a whistle and as result, have been poisoned. Any contact of the oleander plant with human skin can cause irritation. There are oleander facts showing that even the smoke from burning oleander twigs and branches can cause strong reactions.
Oleanders are lovely and distinctive flowering shrubs or trees if the gardener should so desire to train them. While oleander facts point to its finicky nature of where it lives, it can be a beautiful addition to seaside cottage landscapes where many Northerners vacation and can enjoy the beautiful blooms if even on a temporary basis.