White Oleander

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

White Oleander (Nerium oleander 'White') – Elegant, Drought-Tolerant Evergreen for Arizona Landscapes

Add a touch of sophistication to your Phoenix Valley garden with White Oleander, a stunning evergreen shrub or small tree known for its lush, dark green foliage and clusters of pure white flowers. Scientifically referred to as Nerium oleander 'White,' this Mediterranean native thrives in warm, dry climates and is a popular choice for Arizona landscapes looking for beauty, resilience, and low maintenance. With its fragrant blooms and strong adaptability, White Oleander brings year-round elegance to both residential and commercial settings.

Key Features of White Oleander

The White Oleander grows to a height of 8 to 12 feet with a spread of 6 to 10 feet, forming a dense, rounded shape that can be pruned for a formal hedge or allowed to grow naturally as a specimen plant. Its dark green, leathery leaves provide a rich backdrop for the clusters of fragrant, white flowers that bloom from spring through fall. These blooms create a striking contrast against the green foliage, enhancing the visual appeal and creating a serene, sophisticated look in the garden.

Adapted to full sun, White Oleander thrives in well-draining soil and is drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for Phoenix Valley’s dry climate. Its tolerance for salt and poor soil also makes it suitable for challenging environments, including coastal-inspired and urban landscapes. While low-maintenance, occasional watering during extended dry spells and light fertilization in the spring will encourage more vigorous growth and prolific blooming.

A Water-Wise Choice for Phoenix Valley Gardens

White Oleander’s minimal water needs and drought tolerance make it a smart choice for Arizona’s water-conscious gardens. This hardy shrub offers year-round greenery and flowers without the need for frequent watering, supporting sustainable gardening practices in the Phoenix Valley.

Versatile Uses for White Oleander in Phoenix Valley Landscaping

• Formal Hedges and Privacy Screens: With its dense, bushy growth, White Oleander is ideal for creating elegant, formal hedges and privacy screens, providing year-round coverage and blooms along property lines and fences.

• Ornamental Foundation Planting: The pristine white flowers and glossy green foliage make White Oleander an attractive foundation plant, adding structure and beauty to front gardens or entryways.

• Stand-Alone Specimen Plant: The graceful form and fragrant blooms of White Oleander make it a striking standalone feature, adding elegance and visual interest to garden beds, patios, or outdoor seating areas.

• Xeriscaping and Drought-Tolerant Gardens: White Oleander’s resilience to drought makes it a natural fit for xeriscapes and water-wise landscapes, blending well with other low-water plants.

Care Tips for Growing White Oleander in Phoenix Valley

Plant White 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 after the blooming season to shape and control growth, especially if used for hedges or screens. Note that all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested, and its sap may cause skin irritation, so exercise caution when handling or pruning. With its low-maintenance needs, White Oleander is a reliable choice for Phoenix Valley gardeners seeking beauty and resilience.

Why White Oleander is Perfect for Arizona Landscapes

The White Oleander offers Phoenix Valley gardeners a refined, versatile shrub that provides evergreen structure and seasonal blooms with minimal care. Its tolerance for drought, poor soil, and intense sunlight makes it ideal for both residential and commercial landscapes in Arizona’s dry climate. Whether used as a privacy hedge, in xeriscapes, or as a focal point, White Oleander combines elegance and durability, enhancing Arizona gardens with its classic color and adaptability. For a water-wise shrub that thrives in warm climates, White Oleander is a top choice.

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

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and vibrant blooms)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 5-6 feet apart for optimal growth and air circulation
• 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: White Oleander is a self-supporting shrub that grows upright into a dense form with vibrant white flowers and requires no staking

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: White 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 1-2 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