Oleander

Nerium oleander

Also known as Nerium lauriforme, Nerium indicum var. plenum, Dog bane, Nerium odoratum

Zones 9–11Sun Full SunWater ModerateCare Low

Flowering Plants · Native Plants · Trees & Shrubs · Oleander · Shrub · Drought Tolerant · Heat Tolerant · Mediterranean · Flowering · Toxic · Evergreen · Fast Growing · Pollinator

Beginner-friendlyAttracts pollinators

Toxicity: dogs, cats, horses — keep out of reach and wear gloves when pruning.

In stock at 5 nurseriesStock updated 9/9/2026

Oleander is a tough, fast-growing evergreen shrub prized for its profuse clusters of pink, red, or white flowers and exceptional heat and drought tolerance once established. Plant it in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil and water sparingly after the first season. All parts of this plant are highly toxic to humans and animals — handle with gloves and keep away from children and pets.

Growing conditions

The details behind the basics

Daily light: 8 hours
Watering: Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry out significantly between waterings once established · Every 10-14 days
Maintenance: Low
Soil: sandy loam
Soil pH: 5.5–7.8
Temperature: 55°F to 100°F
Cycle: Perennial

Hardiness

USDA 9a-11b

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Your zone

Form & growth

Mature size and habit

Mature height: 5 ft – 20 ft
Spread: 10 ft
Spacing: 72 in apart
Growth rate: Fast
Root depth: Medium
Flowers: Yes
Foliage: Coarse

Ecology & origin

Where it belongs and what it brings

Native to: Afghanistan, Alabama, Albania, Algeria, Arkansas, Ascension, Azores, Baleares, Bangladesh, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil South, Cameroon, Canary Is., Cape Provinces, Caroline Is., Chad, Chagos Archipelago, China North-Central, China South-Central
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Moths

Sources: trefle, usda, aspca