[Illustration: Nerium oleander]
Common name: OLEANDER
Arizona, California, and Texas deserts. (_Nerium oleander_). White,
yellow, or red. Spring and summer.
Dogbane family. Size: Robust, spreading shrub up to 20 feet high.
Well known and widely grown because of its large clusters of red or
white blossoms and glossy, evergreen leaves, the Oleander is one of the
handsomest shrubs found under cultivation in towns and cities of the
desert. Requiring sub-tropical conditions, easily rooted from cuttings,
and rapid in growth, the Oleander thrives in Southwestern desert areas
if supplied with plenty of water. It is used individually and as
hedgerows in ornamental plantings.
Although blossoms may be present at almost any time of year, the
principal flowering season extends from early spring well through the
summer. Both the red-flowered and the white-flowered plants are popular
and may be grown separately or intermixed. Recently a yellow-flowered
form has come into use.
These handsome shrubs immediately attract the attention of northerners
visiting desert towns, and arouse their curiosity as to their identity.