Nerium oleander
Oleander
Apocynaceae
Evergreen, Shrubs, Trees
Mediterranean native. Moderate to fast growth to 3 to 20 ft. tall and 4 to12 ft. wide, depending on variety. Larger types can be easily trained into single or multitrunked trees. Narrow, 4 to 12-in.-long leaves are dark green, leathery, and semiglossy; attractive in all seasons. Blooms from late spring to fall, bearing 2 to 3-in.-wide, often fragrant flowers clustered at twig or branch ends.
Forms with double and single flowers are sold, in colors ranging from white to shades of yellow, pink, salmon, and red. Oleanders need little water once established, but they can take moderate amounts. They tolerate poorly drained and relatively salty soils. In shade or ocean fog, they produce weak or leggy growth and few flowers. Routine pruning isn’t necessary, but you may need to prune to guide growth. To control size and form, cut oldest stems to the ground before spring growth begins; shorten remaining stems to restrict height.
Gazania hybrid
Low, clumping or spreading plants grown for colorful daisies over long bloom season. These evergreen p...
Leucophyllum langmaniae
Dense grower to 5 ft. high and wide, with bright green leaves and lavender flowers.
Leucophyllum zygophyllum
Grows 3 ft. tall and wide, with gray-green, slightly cupped leaves and light blue flowers.
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