Nerium oleander ‘Hardy Red’ (Oleander)

Tough and vigorous, Nerium oleander ‘Hardy Red’ (Oleander) is noted for its ability to withstand cold temperatures better than other Oleanders. This medium-sized evergreen shrub produces an abundance of large loose clusters of five-petaled, funnel-shaped, red flowers all summer. Thriving with little care, this beautiful flowering shrub features a bushy, rounded to vase-shaped habit and its evergreen foliage of leathery, lance-shaped leaves clad the branches throughout the year. Native to the Mediterranean region, this attractive shrub is heat and drought-tolerant once established, and will grow especially well in seaside gardens, tolerating salt spray and wind.

• Grows upright with an open habit to 6-8 ft. high and wide (180-240 cm) but may get larger in mild climate areas, reaching 15 ft. in height (4.5m) and 10 ft. in spread (3m).
• Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Will grow in poor soils and tolerate coastal conditions. While Oleanders are very drought tolerant, their floral show is more impressive if regularly watered.
• Deer and rabbit resistant
• Great for flowering hedges, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, Mediterranean gardens, city gardens or large containers.
• Virtually disease free, but watch for red spider mite, scale insects and mealybugs.
• Prune lightly as needed to shape after flowering
• All parts are highly toxic if ingested. Contact with foliage may irritate skin.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.