Nerium oleander commonly called Oleander or Rose bay originates from the Mediterranean region and the Middle East and comes from the Apocynaceae family.
Oleander is a shrub and grows in full sun. Some gardeners like to grow oleander as a hedge and with careful pruning it can be kept low and bushy. The leaves are thin and pointed at the ends. Oleander flowers profusely and continuously all year round with a sweet-smelling fragrance. It comes in colours of white to cream, pink, dark pink and red with single and double varieties. There is also a new dwarf variety called Dwarf oleander.
Oleander has adapted well in Guyana and the Caribbean. Plant it in regular soil and it can tolerate drought. Fertilize with Blue Corn Fertilizer once per month.
NB: Oleander is poisonous so do be careful not to let it get into contact with your eyes and face.
Until next week, happy gardening.
