Nerium ‘Calypso'

Family

Apocynaceae

Origin

Southwest Asia

Description

Nerium are evergreen shrubs with linear or narrowly oblong leaves and terminal clusters of salver- or funnel-shaped flowers, followed by long, bean-like seed-pods.

Nerium oleander 'Claudia' has its own distinct appeal. An evergreen, dense bushy shrub, it produces profusions of single, raspberry pink tending to red blooms from spring through fall on extra-vigorous plants.It will grow 10-18 feet and spread 10-15 feet in other areas, too.

Flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. 

Environment

Nerium Oleander prefers full sunlight. They tolerate a wide range of conditions, including difficult soil, salt spray, high pH, severe pruning, reflected heat from pavements and walls, and drought. But the one thing they can t withstand is winter temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the shrubs are drought-tolerant, they look their best when they are watered during dry spells. However, take care not to over water them. Yellowing leaves indicate that the plant is getting too much water. However, in cooler climates, you can grow an oleander plant in a container and bring it indoors when temperatures drop.

Landscape Use

Nerium Oleander is ideal for attracting birds and also adds texture and form to the garden.

Caution

All parts of oleander shrubs are poisonous and the smoke from burning oleander debris is toxic.