Oleander: Bold Blooms and Resilient Beauty for Texas Landscapes
Oleander (Nerium Oleander)
At Professional Landscape Design, we often turn to oleander (Nerium oleander) for its striking flowers, evergreen foliage, and ability to thrive in tough conditions. Native to the Mediterranean and Asia, oleander is a fast-growing shrub that can be trained into a small tree or used as a dense hedge. Its blooms—ranging from white and pink to red, yellow, and salmon—appear from spring through fall, adding vibrant color to residential and commercial landscapes alike.
Growth Rate & Care
Oleander is remarkably heat- and drought-tolerant, making it ideal for Texas gardens. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade, though flowering may be reduced. Plant in well-drained soil, and water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once mature, oleander requires minimal watering and can handle poor soil, salt spray, and reflected heat from pavement. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced formula, and prune in late winter to shape and encourage new growth.
There are many cultivars to suit different design needs. ‘Hardy Red’ and ‘Hardy Pink’ offer cold tolerance and vivid blooms, while dwarf varieties like ‘Petite Pink’ and ‘Petite Salmon’ stay compact for containers or small spaces. ‘Calypso’ dazzles with cherry-red flowers, and ‘Sister Agnes’ provides elegant white blooms. Oleander’s upright habit and dense foliage make it perfect for privacy screens, erosion control on slopes, or dramatic driveway borders.
Important Note: All parts of the oleander plant are toxic to humans and pets, including the smoke from burning trimmings. Always wear gloves when pruning or propagating, and avoid planting near play areas or pet zones. Despite its toxicity, oleander is deer-resistant and rarely troubled by pests—though watch for aphids and oleander caterpillars, which can defoliate plants quickly if left unchecked.
Pink, Red, and White Oleander
Landscape Design
At Professional Landscape Design, we use oleander to create bold, low-maintenance landscapes that stand up to Texas heat and deliver season-long color. Whether you're looking for a flowering hedge, a statement specimen, or a container-friendly shrub, oleander offers beauty with backbone. Want help choosing the right variety or planning a safe, stunning layout? Contact us today for a free estimate.
