Pink Oleander

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 8-12 feet
Spread: 6-10 feet
Flower Color: pink
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Pink Oleander (Nerium oleander) – Vibrant, Drought-Tolerant Shrub for Arizona Landscapes

Add long-lasting color and lush greenery to your Phoenix Valley garden with Pink Oleander, a hardy, drought-tolerant shrub known for its striking pink blooms and low maintenance needs. Scientifically referred to as Nerium oleander, this evergreen shrub or small tree is native to the Mediterranean region and thrives in warm, arid climates. With its vibrant flowers, glossy foliage, and resilience in challenging conditions, Pink Oleander is a popular choice for Arizona landscapes looking for beauty and ease of care.

Key Features of Pink Oleander

Pink Oleander can grow to heights of 6 to 12 feet, forming an upright, bushy shrub or small tree. Its dark green, narrow, leathery leaves are evergreen, providing year-round structure and color. The plant’s trumpet-shaped, pink blooms appear in clusters from spring through fall, creating a show-stopping display of color that lasts for months. These flowers add a tropical look to the garden, making Pink Oleander an ideal focal point in landscape designs.

Adapted to full sun, Pink Oleander is highly drought-tolerant once established and performs well in well-drained soil. This versatile plant is resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a dependable and low-maintenance option for Phoenix Valley’s dry climate.

A Water-Wise Choice for Phoenix Valley Gardens

Pink Oleander’s drought tolerance and minimal care requirements make it a practical choice for water-conscious gardens in Arizona. This shrub thrives with little water once established, supporting sustainable landscaping while providing vibrant color and evergreen structure.

Versatile Uses for Pink Oleander in Phoenix Valley Landscaping

• Ornamental Hedges and Screens: With its dense growth and colorful blooms, Pink Oleander is perfect for creating privacy screens and ornamental hedges that provide year-round greenery and seasonal color.

• Xeriscaping and Drought-Tolerant Gardens: Pink Oleander’s ability to thrive in poor soil and dry conditions makes it suitable for xeriscapes and water-wise gardens, blending seamlessly with other drought-tolerant plants.

• Coastal and Wind-Resistant Plantings: Oleander’s resilience makes it a good choice for coastal-inspired gardens, as it tolerates salt and wind, making it ideal for exposed areas.

• Specimen Plant for Colorful Focal Points: The bright pink flowers and glossy green foliage of Pink Oleander make it a stunning standalone specimen, adding vibrant color to garden beds and entryways.

Care Tips for Growing Pink Oleander in Phoenix Valley

Plant Pink Oleander in full sun with well-draining soil for optimal growth. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system; afterward, it requires minimal supplemental watering. Prune as needed to shape and control size, especially if used for hedges or screens. Exercise caution when handling or pruning, as all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested, and the sap can cause skin irritation. With its low maintenance requirements, Pink Oleander is a reliable choice for Phoenix Valley gardeners looking for vibrant, drought-resistant shrubs.

Why Pink Oleander is Perfect for Arizona Landscapes

Pink Oleander offers Phoenix Valley gardeners a durable, colorful shrub that provides year-round greenery and seasonal blooms with minimal care. Its tolerance for drought, poor soil, and high heat make it a resilient choice for both residential and commercial landscapes. Whether used in hedges, xeriscapes, or as a striking specimen plant, Pink Oleander combines beauty and practicality, enhancing Arizona gardens with its bold color and adaptability. For a water-wise shrub that thrives in warm climates, Pink Oleander is a top choice.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Pink Oleander

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and flowering)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 4-6 feet apart for a bushy, dense growth habit
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Pink Oleander is a shrub that requires no staking and grows into a dense, bushy plant with vibrant pink blooms

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Pink Oleander is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant for even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks