Yellow Oleander

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 4-8 feet
Spread: 4-8 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Yellow Oleander (Thevetia peruviana) – A Vibrant Yet Toxic Addition to Arizona Landscapes

Yellow Oleander, or Thevetia peruviana, is a stunning evergreen shrub that can thrive in Arizona's hot and arid climate. Known for its striking yellow flowers and glossy green leaves, this plant brings vibrant color to the landscape. However, it’s important to handle this shrub with caution, as all parts of the plant are highly toxic.

Key Features of Yellow Oleander

1. Bright Yellow Blooms
   Yellow Oleander is celebrated for its clusters of bright yellow, funnel-shaped flowers, which create a bold and eye-catching display. These blooms contrast beautifully with the plant's glossy green foliage, adding a tropical flair to the garden. Flowering occurs throughout much of the year, especially in warm climates, making it a long-lasting source of color.

2. Toxicity and Safety Precautions
   While visually appealing, Yellow Oleander is extremely toxic. All parts of the plant—including the flowers, leaves, and seeds—contain toxic compounds that are harmful if ingested or even touched. This toxicity makes it crucial to exercise caution, particularly in landscapes frequented by children or pets. When handling Yellow Oleander, wear gloves to avoid contact with its sap, which can cause skin irritation.

3. Upright Growth Habit
   Yellow Oleander typically reaches heights of 6 to 12 feet, with a similar spread, forming an upright and well-proportioned shrub. Its dense foliage and vertical growth make it suitable for use as a standalone feature, in mixed borders, or as a privacy screen.

Growing and Maintenance Tips

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil; adaptable to various soil types but performs best in sandy or rocky soils.
• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; water occasionally during dry periods.
• Pruning: Prune periodically to maintain shape and remove dead or overgrown branches. Always wear gloves and wash tools after pruning due to the plant's toxicity.

Landscape Uses

Yellow Oleander’s vibrant flowers and structured form make it a visually appealing addition to certain garden designs. However, due to its toxicity, it’s best suited for areas with limited access by people or animals, such as:

• Ornamental Feature: Adds a bold splash of color as a standalone shrub.
• Screening and Privacy: Forms dense growth for creating privacy in open spaces.
• Low-Maintenance Gardens: Suitable for water-wise landscapes, but with careful placement.

Benefits and Considerations

Yellow Oleander offers year-round beauty with minimal maintenance, thanks to its drought tolerance and low water requirements. However, its toxicity must be a primary consideration when deciding on placement. This shrub is best suited to areas where it can be appreciated visually but accessed sparingly.

Summary

Yellow Oleander is a vibrant yet highly toxic shrub suitable for Arizona's arid climate. Its bright yellow flowers and glossy foliage provide year-round appeal, but the plant’s toxicity requires cautious placement and handling. With proper care and consideration, Yellow Oleander can bring beauty and bold color to Arizona landscapes, balancing aesthetics with safety.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Yellow 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: Yellow Oleander is a self-supporting shrub or small tree that grows upright with large clusters of yellow 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 5-6 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: Yellow Oleander is considered established after 4-6 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 of the root zone
• 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