Oleandar

Botanical Name: 
Nerium oleander
Family: 
Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae)
Origin: 
Native to Mediterranean region
At Hearst Castle: 
Oleanders were used abundantly in the gardens of the Enchanted Hill from the early 1920's. The Pergola driveway features Oleanders specially trimmed into multi-trunked trees which appear to grow from leafy vases. Norman Rotanzi suggested this to Mr. Hearst before he left here in 1947, and Norman recalled Mr. Hearst approving this special treatment of the Oleanders from photographs sent to him in Beverly Hills.
Comments: 
All parts of the Oleander are poisonous. They will flourish and bloom in the hottest arid climates, but will not tolerate areas with frequent frosts. The name "oleander" refers to the leaves' resemblance to those of the olive, while the genus name, "nerium," is the Greek name for oleander.
Description: 
Evergreen shrub or small tree to as much as 20 feet high. Leaves are up to 12 inches long, narrow and pointed, leathery, and dark green. Flowers are 1.5-2.5 inches wide with five petals tilted like pin-wheels. Clusters of flowers appear from May through October. Some varieties have fragrant flowers, and both single (5 petals only) and double (ruffled) flowered varieties are available. Flower color can range from white to pink to salmon to red, and occasionally to yellow.