Nerium oleander OLEANDER (20 seeds)

Oleander or Nerium oleander in Latin, is a hardy, slow-growing shrub reaching up to 2 meters in height. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is native to the southern shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Its leaves are evergreen, lanceolate, elongated, and typically measure between 4 and 20 cm in length. They are leathery and a glossy green, giving the shrub a lush appearance.

The flowering is particularly spectacular. The pink flowers that appear in summer are trumpet-shaped and cluster in terminal groups. They bloom from July to September. Following pollination, the plant produces fruit in the form of elongated pods during the autumn.

These fruits are capsules containing seeds.

Oleander seeds are brown, flat, and fuzzy. They are easily dispersed by the wind, allowing the plant to propagate.

- Uses:

Ornamental: This shrub is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its beautiful summer bloom. Its colorful flowers add charm and visual warmth to the landscape.

Aromatherapy: Its extracts can be used for their relaxing benefits. It is one of the most dangerous plants in Europe.

WARNING: All parts of the plant are extremely toxic. Keep out of reach of children and animals. For ornamental or botanical use only.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The most favorable time to sow oleander is from the end of May.
• Stratify the seeds before sowing.
• Sow them in a tray of fine horticultural potting soil, covering them with a few millimeters of substrate.
• Water gently by spraying.
• Place the tray in a greenhouse in a warm, humid environment at a temperature of 35°C.
• Germination is quite slow, generally taking between 4 to 8 weeks after planting.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

The ideal substrate for successful cultivation must be well-drained, ideally consisting of a mixture of garden soil, sand, and perlite or gravel. For pot cultivation, ensure excellent drainage to avoid excess water and prevent root rot.

- Exposure / Light:

It requires a lot of bright light. It is best placed in a full sun exposure. In areas with very intense sunlight, a little shade during the hottest hours can be beneficial, especially for young plants.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

The plant thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 20°C and 35°C. It is relatively heat-tolerant but sensitive to frost. Temperatures below -5°C can damage the leaves and stems. It is therefore best to protect the plant or bring it indoors during winter. Its USDA hardiness zone is 9-11.

- Watering / Irrigation:

Generally, it is necessary to water when the soil surface begins to dry out. Watering during the summer must be more frequent due to the heat. However, reduce irrigation in winter as the plant enters a dormant period.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

It reproduces mainly by cuttings, taking stem sections in spring or summer. These cuttings are then placed in well-drained soil where they develop roots. The plant can also be reproduced by seeds.

- Diseases / Pests:

This shrub is sometimes subject to powdery mildew and root rot, often caused by excess moisture. Common pests include scale insects and aphids, which attack the plant's sap.