I am a strikingly beautiful yet highly toxic evergreen shrub or small tree, cherished for my vibrant clusters of fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of white, pink, yellow, or red. My glossy, lance-shaped leaves and milky sap add to my ornamental appeal, but I must be handled with care due to my poisonous nature.

Native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, I am widely cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. I have a long history in traditional medicine and religious symbolism, often planted in temple gardens and along roadsides for my beauty and resilience.

I am drought-tolerant once established. Water me moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter. I can survive dry spells but may drop leaves if severely underwatered. Avoid waterlogging.

I thrive in full sun and require at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant flowering. I can tolerate partial shade but will produce fewer blooms and grow leggy.

I prefer warm to hot climates, thriving between 20–35°C. I am sensitive to frost and temperatures below 5°C. In cooler regions, I can be grown in containers and moved indoors during winter.

Plant me in well-draining soil, preferably sandy or loamy. Space plants 1.5–3 meters apart to allow for mature growth. I can be grown in the ground or in large containers with adequate drainage.

Feed me with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer to support flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can promote foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

Botanical name: Nerium oleander. Family: Apocynaceae. I contain potent cardiac glycosides (oleandrin, nerioside) throughout all parts—leaves, stems, flowers, and sap—which are highly toxic if ingested.

Extremely toxic to pets and humans. Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause severe vomiting, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, and even death. Keep me completely out of reach of pets, livestock, and children. Wear gloves when pruning.

Moderate. I can help absorb pollutants like sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide when grown outdoors, but due to my toxicity, I’m not recommended for indoor air purification.

I am highly ornamental, with long flowering seasons and low maintenance needs. I am also used in phytoremediation to clean contaminated soils and am drought-resistant, making me suitable for xeriscaping and roadside planting.

Generally pest-resistant due to toxicity. Occasionally affected by aphids, scale insects, or fungal leaf spot. Overwatering can lead to root rot. My sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

I am a long-lived perennial shrub or small tree and can survive for 20–30 years or more with proper care. I grow vigorously and can be pruned to maintain shape and size.