Nerium oleander

Description: An evergreen shrub which is from the mediteranean and is not fully hardy in the UK. Superb when in flower throughout the summer - autumn as it produces terminal clusters of salver-shaped, pink flowers (also white or red forms) with narrowly lance-shaped grey-green leaves).

Climate/Position: Full sun in a very sheltered position as a tender plant in Uk. Can also be grown in a pot and given protection over winter.

Height/Spread: Can reach up to 1.8 metres x 1.2 metres

Soil Requirements: Well-drained/light, Chalky/alkaline, Moist

Pruning: Prune in late winter to ensure a suitable shape is maintained. May be necessary to reduce size especailly if grown in a pot and restricted space for overwintering.

Special Requirements: Stand outside over summer in a pot, but keep in a heated greenhouse/conservatory in winter, at about 10C. Water sparingly in winter.

All parts of the plant are highly toxic.