Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Pink | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Pink | Green | ||
Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten, smoke from burning is harmful. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Nerium are evergreen shrubs with linear or narrowly oblong leaves and terminal clusters of salver- or funnel-shaped flowers, followed by long, bean-like seed-pods
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Outdoors, grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Where winters are not reliably mild, grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light; ventilate well. During growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid feed monthly. Water sparingly in winter
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer; sow seed at 16°C in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
See pruning group 9
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.