Oleander

Oleander is an evergreen bush or tree that grows well in subtropical climates. No wonder it's so popular in Florida that it's used as a hedge - a lot.


Although one of the most poisonous plants (especially dangerous for young children), it is grown for the showy flowers which appear in clusters at the end of each branch. Colors of the blooms range from most common whites and pinks to yellows, reds, purples and orange. Some cultivars even have double flowers.



Established oleander plants are drought tolerant but young plants wil grow best in places where they don't have to compete for nutrients with grass or other flora.

One species of large, green caterpillar feeds on oleander plants - and gets aways with it - by eating only the pulp that surrounds the leaf-veins, avoiding the fibers. What these caterpillars leave behind is not a pretty sight...

***