Description

General aspect and origins - Nerium oleander, also known as oleander, is a small tree with lanceolate evergreen leaves, that is native to the Mediterranean basin. It can reach up to 20 ft (6 m) tall. Oleanders are well-known for their fragrant simple or double flowers of various colors, depending on the varieties.
Leaves - Oleanders have a deep-green evergreen foliage. Leaves are lanceolate, coriaceous, and can be up to 10 in (25 cm) long.
Flowers - Oleander may have simple, double or sometimes triple flowers, depending on the varieties. There are many colors, including orange ('Rising sun', ...), pink, ('Mrs Roeding', 'Mrs Allen', ...) red, ('Otalia', 'Petite Red', ...) salmon, ('Petite Salmon') white ('Mont Blanc', 'Alsace', ...), yellow ('Angiolo Pucci', 'Luteum plenum', ...)
Also, oleander flowers are more or less perfumed, depending on the varieties.

Culture

Oleander are small trees and shrubs that are adapted to Mediterranean climates. They can withstand frosts up to 22°F to 10°F (-6°C to -12°C) depending on the different varieties.
Note that all parts of oleanders are toxic, and are likely to prove letal if ingested.
Soil - Oleander require a well-drained ground.

Propagation

Oleanders are easily propagated by cuttings in summer. Propagation by seeds is also possible, or by graftings or air layers.