The Oleander tree, or Nerium oleander, is an alluring plant with an incredibly large variety of species found worldwide. Do you know all there is to know about oleanders? It’s time to explore the meanings, characteristics, and important considerations for growing these captivating trees.
1 Introduction to the Oleander Flower
Oleanders, scientifically known as Nerium oleander, belong to the Apocynaceae family and are also called La Bu Ma or Giáp Trúc Đào in Vietnamese. This tree is native to Morocco and Portugal, and there are over 400 species found worldwide. You can easily spot oleanders in parks, gardens, or along peaceful paths as you stroll through different places.
Oleander flowers with a gentle beauty
Oleanders thrive in tropical climates and warm temperatures, demonstrating excellent tolerance to drought and frost. The flowers boast a graceful form and vibrant colors, including white, light pink, dark pink, red-orange, and most commonly, pink. The scent of oleander flowers is as gentle as their name suggests.
2 Characteristics of the Oleander Tree
Oleanders typically grow to a height of 2-5 meters with multiple upright branches. Their leaves are thick, leathery, and lance-shaped, growing in whorls of three. Each leaf measures about 10-20cm in length and 3-5cm in width. The flowers bloom in clusters at the end of the branches, featuring thin, fragrant petals. Notably, oleanders produce fruits in the form of long capsules containing hairy seeds. The trees usually bear fruit during winter and spring.
The most common color is pink
Oleanders are highly drought-tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius in some regions. This makes them suitable for indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse cultivation.
3 Meanings and Symbolism of the Oleander Flower
Oleander Flower Meanings in Life
The oleander is a poisonous flower, and its beauty belies its potential danger. Thus, it symbolizes caution, meticulousness, and vigilance against hidden dangers, regardless of how alluring something may seem on the surface.
Meanings of Oleander Flower Colors
Beyond their diverse colors, each shade of oleander carries a unique significance:
White Oleander: Symbolizes purity, innocence, and virtue. It evokes the image of a gentle woman with a beautiful outer appearance and an inner purity.
White Oleander
Yellow Oleander: Represents wealth, prosperity, and abundance.
Yellow Oleander
Pink Oleander: The bright pink shade symbolizes love and happiness in relationships.
Pink Oleander
Red Oleander: Stands for intense passion, longing, and desire.
Red Oleander
4 Benefits and Uses of the Oleander Tree
Oleander as an Ornamental Plant
Oleanders are prized as ornamental plants due to their attractive appearance and colorful, fragrant flowers. They are commonly used for decorating homes, gardens, and parks, enhancing the aesthetics and ambiance of these spaces. Additionally, oleanders help purify the air, creating a fresh and pleasant living environment.
Medicinal Uses of Oleander
Despite their allure, oleanders contain toxins that can be harmful to humans if ingested or handled improperly. Experts advise against attempting to extract the poison or consume any part of the plant, as it can lead to stroke and even death.
Benefits and uses of the oleander tree
However, the toxins in oleanders can be extracted and used to create medicines for skin conditions and itching. Furthermore, the plant’s neriin, oleandrin, and neriantin compounds can be utilized to formulate cardiac medications to treat heart failure, shortness of breath, and edema.
5 How to Grow and Care for Oleanders to Bloom All Year Round
Planting Oleanders
You can propagate oleanders by sowing seeds or using young saplings.
Oleanders thrive in warm, temperate climates and are well-suited to Vietnam’s climate. They prefer nutrient-rich, humus-filled soil with good drainage and aeration to prevent root rot.
Properly planting oleanders
Caring for Oleanders
Fertilizer: Provide fertilizer to your oleanders during each flowering season. When the plants are not in bloom, apply diluted fertilizer every 5-7 days.
Watering: While oleanders are drought-tolerant, maintain a moisture level of 2-3 times per week. Increase watering during hot spells and refrain from watering during the rainy season.
Light: Oleanders thrive in bright, sunny conditions, so ensure they receive ample sunlight.
Pruning: For potted oleanders kept indoors, prune the plants twice a year. Remove old, withered leaves and trim any wayward branches to maintain the plant’s aesthetic appeal and direct its energy toward flowering.
6 Are Oleanders Poisonous? Health Considerations
Oleanders, despite their delicate beauty, contain toxins in all parts of the plant, especially the sap. Ingesting the sap can be fatal, and it poses a danger to both humans and animals.
Oleanders are beautiful but contain dangerous toxins
Symptoms of oleander poisoning include:
- Nausea, stomach irritation, weakness, and loss of vitality
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Poor circulation, pale skin, and a feeling of coldness
- Damage to the central nervous system, leading to stroke, seizures, and potentially death
Indeed, this seemingly harmless flower hides a dangerous secret. When caring for oleanders, take the necessary precautions to protect your health. Hopefully, this knowledge will help you better tend to these captivating trees.
8 Beautiful Flowers with Deadly Toxicity

There are several types of beautiful flowers that contain toxic substances to defend against enemies and intruders. Contact with these plants can be harmful to humans.