Oleander Gamble

Gambling is not my forte.  I don't have the stomach for it.  I guess I can't stand to lose.  But gamble is exactly what I did last fall on my double pink oleander (nerium oleander) and now, I see, I've lost.  I've lost it all.  It's completely dead.  Unless something comes back from the roots, it's over.  At the time, I was on the fence about how badly I wanted to save it.  (I only learned last summer how toxic the entire plant is) I decided not to haul it inside but rather to store it in the garage.  ugh.  I might add I was somewhat cavalier "if it lives, it lives, if it doesn't, oh well."  Why do we make these decisions only to regret them later?  Now I wish I had just hauled it down to the basement and stored it with the other half of my yard.  It wouldn't have been that much extra trouble.  As I was cutting it back, a little at a time last night, desperately looking for some "green" I wondered if I should search for another?? Thoughts??  Anyone have this shrub??  Love it, worry about its toxicity??   

Comments

Ten years ago oleanders were EVERYWHERE in Southern Califonia, but they are since disappearing. One reason is because they are highly toxic some cities that cater to equestrians outlawed their use in city landscapes (they were very common "freeway" plantings). Then there is a disease called "oleander scorch" that started killing them. The property we bought last year has a number of them outlining the back yard and they are slowly dying off and I am replacing them with other options.

[Cinj]

What a beautiful plant! I've never had any of those as they are way outside of my zone. I had quite a few plants that Cheesehead was ready to give up on and now they are sprouting wonderfully. Don't give up too quickly on them, although I assume you live in a warmer climate than I do....

[Kathleen]

To whoever posted all the great info on Oleanders ~ thank you! It was very interesting and their toxicity is what made me ambivalent about wintering it over. I did not know about the "scorch" so maybe I'm done fretting over another?!!!

[Kathleen]

Thanks for the encouragement Cinj but I think it's "toast!" I'm in zone 5 so Oleanders are definitely out of my limit too but I was growing it as a container plant and hauling it indoors to overwinter. The garage must have been too cold (it's not heated).

[Amy]

I'm not familiar with this plant, but it's lovely. No "wisdom" here for you about what to do :)

[mss @ Zanthan Gardens]

I, too, am fairly risk-adverse. So I understand.

I didn't used to like oleander because they are used as highway plantings in Las Vegas (my family home--not mine!). I never liked their round shapeless form. But I have 'Shari D.' which has a lovely buff flower. Oleanders can definitely take the heat, something that's a good thing down here in Texas.

[Kathleen]

Although we have a short summer, comparatively, the oleander was great for a blazing hot spot. I loved it for that and the fact that it bloomed continuously. I will miss it but don't think I'll replace it. Thanks for your comment mss@Zanthan Gardens