21 Types of Oleander Shrubs For Gardens (With Pictures)

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The Oleander (Nerium oleander), often called the Desert Rose or Rose Bay, is a vibrant, evergreen shrub prized for its clusters of fragrant, colorful flowers and lush, leathery foliage. Native to the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia, this versatile plant thrives in warm climates (USDA Zones 8–11), offering year-round beauty in gardens, hedges, and containers. With a range of flower colors (pink, red, white, yellow, salmon) and growth habits (dwarf to tree-like), oleander cultivars cater to diverse landscaping needs. However, all parts are highly toxic, requiring caution around children, pets, and livestock.

Growing 6-20 feet tall and wide, depending on the cultivar, its narrow, leathery leaves add year-round texture to landscapes in USDA zones 8-11. Oleanders thrive in full sun with well-drained soil, ideal for hedges, screens, or standalone specimens in Mediterranean, coastal, or xeriscape gardens.The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity, though their flowers lack significant fragrance. Oleanders are deer- and rabbit-resistant, a boon for wildlife-prone areas, and their dense growth provides privacy when used as hedges.

Despite their beauty, oleanders are highly toxic to humans, pets, and livestock if ingested, containing cardiac glycosides that can cause severe illness or death. Sap can irritate skin, so handle with care and keep away from children or animals. Pests like aphids, scale, or oleander caterpillars may appear, but neem oil or insecticidal soap manages infestations effectively. Fungal issues like leaf spot are rare with good air circulation and proper drainage, though overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.

Types of Oleander Shrubs For Gardens

‘Petite Pink’

  • Description: A dwarf evergreen cultivar, ‘Petite Pink’ is perfect for small gardens or containers, offering delicate pink blooms.
  • Flower Color: Soft pink, single, funnel-shaped flowers in clusters.
  • Height/Spread: 3–6 feet tall, 3–5 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; protect in Zone 8 during frost.
  • Blooming Season: Year-round in frost-free climates; summer peak (June–August).
  • Characteristics: Compact, bushy growth with narrow, dark green leaves. Produces 1–2 inch flowers with a mild fragrance.
  • Uses: Ideal for patio containers, low hedges, borders, or small gardens. Suits coastal landscapes due to salt tolerance.

‘Mrs. Roeding’

  • Description: A popular evergreen cultivar, ‘Mrs. Roeding’ is known for its double, salmon-pink flowers and vigorous growth.
  • Flower Color: Salmon-pink, double, 2–3 inches wide, highly fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 6–10 feet tall, 6–8 feet wide; can reach 12 feet in ideal conditions.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; marginal in Zone 8.
  • Blooming Season: Spring to fall (May–October); year-round in Zones 9–11.
  • Characteristics: Dense, lush foliage with sturdy, upright stems. Double flowers create a fuller, showier display.
  • Uses: Perfect for hedges, specimen plants, or privacy screens. Stunning in large containers for patios or courtyards.

‘Hardy Red’

  • Description: A cold-hardy evergreen variety, ‘Hardy Red’ is valued for its vibrant red flowers and resilience in cooler climates.
  • Flower Color: Deep red, single, 1–2.5 inches wide.
  • Height/Spread: 6–12 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7b–11; tolerates light frosts better than most oleanders.
  • Blooming Season: Summer–fall (May–October).
  • Characteristics: Leathery, dark green leaves and robust branching. Flowers are moderately fragrant and attract pollinators.
  • Uses: Suited for hedges, windbreaks, or specimen plants. in mass plantings for bold color. in urban or coastal gardens.

‘Sister Agnes’

  • Description: An elegant evergreen cultivar, ‘Sister Agnes’ is cherished for its pure white flowers and tall, graceful structure.
  • Flower Color: Pure white, single, 2–3 inches wide, strongly fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: Height/Spread: 10–15 feet tall, 8–12 feet wide; can be trained as a small tree.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; protect in Zone 8.
  • Blooming Season: Summer to fall (June–October); year-round in frost-free areas.
  • Characteristics: Long, narrow leaves and upright growth. Flowers glow in evening light, enhancing moon gardens.
  • Uses: Ideal for focal points, privacy screens, or large containers. Complements darker-flowered oleanders in mixed plantings.

‘Calypso’

  • Description: A vigorous evergreen cultivar, ‘Calypso’ is known for its bright cherry-red flowers and compact growth.
  • Flower Color: Cherry-red, single, 1.5–2 inches wide, lightly fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 6–8 feet tall, 5–7 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; marginal in Zone 8 with protection.
  • Blooming Season: Spring to fall (May–October).
  • Characteristics: Dense, dark green foliage and sturdy stems. Produces abundant flower clusters for a bold display.
  • Uses: Great for hedges, borders, or mass plantings. Suitable for coastal gardens or urban landscapes.

‘Petite Salmon’

  • Description: A dwarf evergreen cultivar, ‘Petite Salmon’ offers soft salmon-pink flowers and a compact habit, ideal for small spaces.
  • Flower Color: Salmon-pink, single, 1–2 inches wide, mildly fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 3–5 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; protect in Zone 8.
  • Blooming Season: Summer (June–August); year-round in frost-free climates.
  • Characteristics: Small, leathery leaves and bushy growth. Perfect for low-maintenance landscapes.
  • Uses: Ideal for containers, low hedges, edging, or rock gardens. Enhances patios or balconies.

‘Variegata’

  • Description: An evergreen cultivar, ‘Variegata’ is prized for its variegated foliage and pink flowers, adding year-round interest.
  • Flower Color: Pink, single, 1.5–2 inches wide, moderately fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 6–10 feet tall, 6–8 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; protect in Zone 8.
  • Blooming Season: Summer to fall (June–October).
  • Characteristics: Creamy yellow and green variegated leaves with upright stems. Flowers complement the striking foliage.
  • Uses: Suited for specimen plants, hedges, or containers. Adds texture to mixed borders or tropical gardens.

‘Hardy Pink’

  • Description: A cold-tolerant evergreen cultivar, ‘Hardy Pink’ features bright pink flowers and resilience in cooler climates.
  • Flower Color: Bright pink, single, 2–2.5 inches wide, lightly fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 6–12 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7b–11; survives light frosts.
  • Blooming Season: Summer to fall (June–October).
  • Characteristics: Dense, dark green foliage and robust growth. Flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
  • Uses: Ideal for hedges, windbreaks, or specimen plants. Works in urban or coastal landscapes.

‘Double Yellow’

  • Description: An evergreen cultivar, ‘Double Yellow’ is celebrated for its rare double yellow flowers, adding a sunny glow to gardens.
  • Flower Color: Pale yellow, double, 2–3 inches wide, fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 8–12 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; protect in Zone 8.
  • Blooming Season: Spring to fall (May–October).
  • Characteristics: Long, leathery leaves and sturdy stems. Double flowers create a lush, full appearance.
  • Uses: Perfect for focal points, privacy screens, or large containers. Complements darker blooms in mixed plantings.

‘Mathilde Ferrier’

  • Description: An evergreen cultivar, ‘Mathilde Ferrier’ is known for its double, pale yellow flowers and vigorous growth.
  • Flower Color: Soft yellow, double, 2–2.5 inches wide, fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 6–10 feet tall, 6–8 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; marginal in Zone 8.
  • Blooming Season: Summer (June–August).
  • Characteristics: Dense, dark green foliage and upright stems. Double flowers add elegance to displays.
  • Uses: Suited for hedges, specimen plants, or containers. Enhances tropical or Mediterranean gardens.

‘Splendens’

  • Description: A robust evergreen cultivar, ‘Splendens’ is admired for its double, bright pink flowers and lush growth.
  • Flower Color: Bright pink, double, 2–3 inches wide, highly fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 8–15 feet tall, 8–12 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; protect in Zone 8.
  • Blooming Season: Spring to fall (May–October).
  • Characteristics: Broad, leathery leaves and sturdy branches. Produces abundant flower clusters for a dramatic display.
  • Uses: Ideal for privacy screens, hedges, or focal points. Stunning in large containers or public landscapes.

‘Apple Blossom’

  • Description: An evergreen cultivar, ‘Apple Blossom’ is cherished for its soft pink flowers, resembling apple blossoms, and compact growth.
  • Flower Color: Pale pink, single, 1.5–2 inches wide, lightly fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 6–8 feet tall, 5–7 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; protect in Zone 8.
  • Blooming Season: Summer to fall (June–October).
  • Characteristics: Dense, dark green foliage and bushy growth. Flowers create a delicate, pastel effect.
  • Uses: Perfect for borders, hedges, or containers. Enhances coastal or cottage gardens.

‘White Sands’

  • Description: A compact evergreen cultivar, ‘White Sands’ is celebrated for its pure white flowers and tidy growth, ideal for smaller spaces.
  • Flower Color: Pure white, single, 1.5–2 inches wide, mildly fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 4–6 feet tall, 4–5 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; protect in Zone 8 during frost.
  • Blooming Season: Summer (June–August); year-round in frost-free climates.
  • Characteristics: Dense, dark green foliage with narrow, leathery leaves. Compact habit suits low-maintenance landscapes.
  • Uses: Perfect for containers, low hedges, borders, or coastal gardens. Enhances moon gardens with glowing white blooms.

‘Cherry Ripe’

  • Description: A vigorous evergreen cultivar, ‘Cherry Ripe’ is known for its vivid cherry-red flowers and robust growth, adding bold color.
  • Flower Color: Cherry-red, single, 2–2.5 inches wide, moderately fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 8–12 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; marginal in Zone 8 with protection.
  • Blooming Season: Spring to fall (May–October).
  • Characteristics: Broad, leathery leaves and sturdy stems. Produces abundant flower clusters for a dramatic display.
  • Uses: Suited for hedges, privacy screens, or specimen plants. Thrives in urban or coastal landscapes.

‘Algiers’

  • Description: An evergreen cultivar, ‘Algiers’ is prized for its deep pink flowers and upright growth, offering a classic oleander look.
  • Flower Color: Deep pink, single, 1.5–2 inches wide, lightly fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 6–10 feet tall, 6–8 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; protect in Zone 8.
  • Blooming Season: Summer to fall (June–October).
  • Characteristics: Dense, dark green foliage with upright branching. Flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
  • Uses: Ideal for hedges, borders, or mass plantings. Complements Mediterranean or tropical garden designs.

‘Mont Blanc’

  • Description: A stately evergreen cultivar, ‘Mont Blanc’ is admired for its large, pure white flowers and tall, graceful structure.
  • Flower Color: Pure white, single, 2–3 inches wide, strongly fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 10–15 feet tall, 8–12 feet wide; can be trained as a small tree.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; protect in Zone 8.
  • Blooming Season: Summer (June–August); year-round in frost-free areas.
  • Characteristics: Long, leathery leaves and robust growth. Flowers create a striking contrast against dark foliage.
  • Uses: Perfect for focal points, privacy screens, or large containers. Enhances moon gardens or formal landscapes.

‘Pink Beauty’

  • Description: A compact evergreen cultivar, ‘Pink Beauty’ is cherished for its soft pink flowers and manageable size, ideal for smaller gardens.
  • Flower Color: Soft pink, single, 1.5–2 inches wide, mildly fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 5–8 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; protect in Zone 8.
  • Blooming Season: Spring to fall (May–October).
  • Characteristics: Dense, glossy foliage with bushy growth. Produces consistent flower clusters for a charming display.
  • Uses: Suited for containers, low hedges, borders, or coastal gardens. Adds charm to patios or balconies.

‘Red Hot’

  • Description: A bold evergreen cultivar, ‘Red Hot’ is known for its fiery red flowers and vigorous growth, making a dramatic statement.
  • Flower Color: Bright red, single, 2–2.5 inches wide, moderately fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 8–12 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; marginal in Zone 8 with protection.
  • Blooming Season: Summer to fall (June–October).
  • Characteristics: Broad, leathery leaves and sturdy stems. Flowers attract pollinators and create a vibrant focal point.
  • Uses: Ideal for hedges, windbreaks, or specimen plants. Thrives in urban or tropical landscapes.

‘Little Red’

  • Description: A dwarf evergreen cultivar, ‘Little Red’ is perfect for small spaces, offering deep red flowers on a compact frame.
  • Flower Color: Deep red, single, 1–2 inches wide, lightly fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 3–5 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; protect in Zone 8.
  • Blooming Season: Summer (June–August); year-round in frost-free climates.
  • Characteristics: Small, leathery leaves and bushy growth. Ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
  • Uses: Perfect for containers, edging, rock gardens, or low hedges. Enhances patios or small gardens.

‘Isle of Capri’

  • Description: An evergreen cultivar, ‘Isle of Capri’ is admired for its soft yellow flowers and vigorous growth, adding a sunny glow.
  • Flower Color: Pale yellow, single, 1.5–2 inches wide, fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 6–10 feet tall, 6–8 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; protect in Zone 8.
  • Blooming Season: Spring to fall (May–October).
  • Characteristics: Dense, dark green foliage with upright stems. Flowers create a warm, inviting effect.
  • Uses: Suited for hedges, specimen plants, or containers. Complements tropical or Mediterranean gardens.

‘Double Pink’

  • Description: A robust evergreen cultivar, ‘Double Pink’ is known for its double, bright pink flowers and lush growth, offering a showy display.
  • Flower Color: Bright pink, double, 2–3 inches wide, highly fragrant.
  • Height/Spread: 8–12 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide.
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11; protect in Zone 8.
  • Blooming Season: Summer to fall (June–October).
  • Characteristics: Broad, leathery leaves and sturdy branches. Double flowers create a fuller, more opulent look.
  • Uses: Ideal for privacy screens, hedges, or focal points. Stunning in large containers or public landscapes.

General Care Tips for Oleander Varieties

  • Planting: Plant in spring or fall in full sun with well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, spacing plants 4–10 feet apart based on size. Use well-draining potting mix in containers.
  • Watering: Water weekly during the first year; reduce to every 2–3 weeks once established. Drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering.
  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy growth.
  • Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape or remove dead wood. Wear gloves due to toxic sap. Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
  • Pest/Disease: Monitor for aphids, scale, oleander caterpillars, or bacterial leaf scorch. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove infected plants to prevent spread.
  • Winter Care: In Zone 8, mulch roots (4–6 inches) and cover during freezes. In Zone 7 or colder, grow in containers and overwinter indoors at 40–60°F.
  • Toxicity Precautions: All parts are highly toxic. Handle with gloves, dispose of clippings safely, and avoid planting near children or pets.
  • Invasive Management: Remove seed pods to prevent self-seeding, especially in Australia or South Africa, where oleander can be invasive.

Choosing the Right Oleander for Your Garden

  • Small Spaces/Containers: ‘Petite Pink’, ‘Petite Salmon’, or ‘Apple Blossom’ for compact growth.
  • Bold Displays: ‘Mrs. Roeding’, ‘Splendens’, or ‘Elaine’ for large, vibrant blooms.
  • Cold Climates: ‘Hardy Red’ or ‘Hardy Pink’ for better frost tolerance in Zone 7b–8.
  • Foliage Interest: ‘Variegata’ for variegated leaves and year-round appeal.
  • Yellow Blooms: ‘Double Yellow’ or ‘Mathilde Ferrier’ for rare, sunny flowers.
  • White or Pastel Blooms: ‘Sister Agnes’ or ‘Apple Blossom’ for serene, elegant effects.

Challenges and Considerations

  • Toxicity: All parts are highly toxic, causing severe symptoms if ingested. Avoid planting near children, pets, or livestock.
  • Invasiveness: Can become invasive in warm, moist climates (e.g., Australia, South Africa). Remove seed pods and monitor spread.
  • Pest/Disease: Vulnerable to oleander caterpillars and bacterial leaf scorch. Regular inspections are essential.
  • Cold Sensitivity: Frost damage occurs below 20°F, requiring protection in Zone 8 or indoor cultivation in colder zones.
  • Maintenance: Pruning and cleanup require protective gear due to toxic sap.

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