Originating from the Mediterranean to western China, oleander is a large evergreen shrub with leathery, dark green leaves, grown for its display of beautiful, often fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers. These are produced in terminal clusters and can be single, semi double or fully double, according to the variety in shades of white, cream, yellow, apricot, salmon, copper, pink, rec, carmine, and purple. Individual flowers can be up to 2 in. (5 cm) across and are borne in groups of 6—8. This is an ideal plant for a sunny windowsill while it is small, and for a well-lit conservatory or sun-room as it grows.
Size: Height up to 6 ½ —7 ft. (2—2.2 m).
Light: Dire it sunlight.
Temperature: Normal room from spring to fall, but below 60°F (15°C) in winter for the rest period; winter minimum 45°F (7°C).
Moisture: Keep thoroughly moist from spring to fall, barely moist in winter. Allowing the plant to dry out as the flowers form will result in the buds being shed.
Feeding: Provide standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks in spring and summer.
Propagation: Take tip cuttings, to 6 in. (15 cm) long, in summer, rooted in either soil or water.
Special needs: The whole plant — sap, flowers, and seeds — is very poisonous, so handle with extreme caution, and wash hands thoroughly after contact.