Red Oleander

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

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

Bring bold, long-lasting color and lush greenery to your Phoenix Valley garden with Red Oleander, a hardy evergreen shrub or small tree known for its vibrant red flowers and ease of care. Scientifically referred to as Nerium oleander 'Red,' this Mediterranean native thrives in warm climates, making it perfect for Arizona landscapes. With its striking blooms, dense foliage, and ability to tolerate drought and poor soil, Red Oleander is a popular choice for creating privacy screens, hedges, and colorful focal points in water-wise gardens.

Key Features of Red Oleander

The Red Oleander grows to a height of 6 to 12 feet with a spread of 4 to 6 feet, forming a dense, rounded shape. Its narrow, dark green, leathery leaves are evergreen, providing year-round structure and color. From spring through fall, Red Oleander produces clusters of trumpet-shaped, deep red flowers that add a striking contrast against the lush green foliage. The blooms attract pollinators and create a stunning display of color, making Red Oleander a valuable addition to landscapes seeking vibrant, continuous beauty.

Adapted to full sun, Red Oleander thrives in well-draining soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it a resilient choice for Phoenix Valley’s dry climate. This low-maintenance plant requires minimal care once established and is resistant to most pests and diseases, ensuring dependable, long-lasting beauty with little effort.

A Water-Wise Choice for Phoenix Valley Gardens

Red Oleander’s drought tolerance and low maintenance needs make it an ideal choice for Arizona’s water-conscious landscapes. This shrub provides lush greenery and bright, eye-catching flowers without demanding frequent watering, supporting sustainable gardening practices in Phoenix Valley.

Versatile Uses for Red Oleander in Phoenix Valley Landscaping

• Ornamental Hedges and Privacy Screens: With its dense foliage and bold blooms, Red Oleander is perfect for creating ornamental hedges and privacy screens that provide year-round greenery and color.

• Xeriscaping and Drought-Tolerant Gardens: Red Oleander’s ability to thrive in poor soil and minimal water makes it ideal for xeriscaping, blending well with other drought-tolerant plants in Arizona landscapes.

• Coastal and Wind-Resistant Plantings: This shrub’s resilience to salt and wind makes it suitable for coastal-inspired or exposed areas, where it can handle challenging conditions.

• Stand-Alone Specimen Plant: The deep red flowers and lush green foliage of Red Oleander make it an attractive focal point in garden beds, entryways, or along walkways.

Care Tips for Growing Red Oleander in Phoenix Valley

Plant Red Oleander in full sun with well-draining soil for optimal growth. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system; after that, it requires minimal supplemental watering. Light pruning after the blooming season can help shape and control growth, especially if using Red Oleander for hedges or screens. Note that all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested, and its sap can cause skin irritation, so exercise caution when handling or pruning. With its low-maintenance needs, Red Oleander is a reliable choice for Phoenix Valley gardeners seeking vibrant, drought-tolerant shrubs.

Why Red Oleander is Perfect for Arizona Landscapes

Red 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 intense sunlight make it ideal for both residential and commercial landscapes. Whether used as a privacy screen, in xeriscapes, or as a bold focal point, Red Oleander combines beauty and resilience, enhancing Arizona gardens with its striking color and adaptability. For a reliable, low-maintenance shrub that thrives in warm climates, Red Oleander is a top choice.

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

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and vibrant blooms)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-7.5)
• Spacing: Space plants 4-5 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: Red Oleander is a shrub that requires no staking and grows into a dense, bushy plant with colorful flowers

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: Red 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 deep 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