04.06.09 - 17:25 -
OLEANDER. Grows along dry river beds and waste land.
Suggestion
I like to think of Oleanders as the Rhododendrons of the south. Few shrubs are as familiar to gardeners and non-gardeners alike.
They are valuable and versatile in the garden and are as tough as old boots. In our region, and elsewhere around the Mediterranean, the native pink species Nerium oleander grows along dry river beds and waste land. They thrive - probably thanks to their toxicity to all, including goats!
In cultivation, Adelfas - as they are known in Spanish - have been popular for many years. It is easy to see why. Combine their diverse range of colourful, almond-scented single or double flowers with their celebrated drought tolerance (once established) and you have what must be some of our best garden plants.
There are many outstanding named varieties, e.g. ‘Marie Gambetta’ and ‘Isle of Capri’ valued for their outstanding flowers and scents. Over a hundred named varieties have been bred, mostly through pioneering efforts by specialist nurseries in Southern France and Italy. Flowering takes place mainly from the beginning of May through July. Two semi double varieties I grow, one a deep scarlet and another cream, almost banana in colour, are currently heavy with clusters of flowers. Sadly I do not know their varietal names. Unfortunately our garden centres seem to sell Oleanders by colour rather than name.
Maintenance is simple. If a shrub is getting too big (they can reach five metres), prune back hard after flowering to within a foot or so of the ground. They will re-grow quickly.
Oleanders are excellent for bordering avenues and as hedging plants. A yearly trim keeps them under control. If you want low, neat hedges use dwarf varieties, otherwise allow them plenty of space.
To increase your plants, take non- flowering shoots and keep them in water; they should root within a month.
Oleanders have few pests or diseases; the worst is the yellow aphid, which attacks flower buds. This can be controlled by insecticide, but I prefer to wash them off with a hose.
I consider Oleanders to be some of the best ‘value for money’ plants available from garden centres.
