1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

The oleander is a very common landscape plant in Charlotte County.  This evergreen plant does provide substantial blooming power and is a useful subject for hedges and as specimen plants.  While you more often may see full-sized oleander varieties ten to eighteen-feet tall, there are dwarf cultivars which average only three to four feet – [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_6831" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6831" style="width: 287px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class=" wp-image-6831" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/files/2022/06/DSC02803-2-221x300.jpg" alt="cluster of light pink flowers" width="287" height="390" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6831" class="wp-caption-text">Multiple pink blossoms emerge from this &#8216;Petite Pink&#8217; oleander</figcaption></figure>
The oleander is a very common landscape plant in Charlotte County.  This evergreen plant does provide substantial blooming power and is a useful subject for hedges and as specimen plants.  While you more often may see full-sized oleander varieties ten to eighteen-feet tall, there are dwarf cultivars which average only three to four feet – less need for pruning.   Dwarf oleanders are very versatile and adaptable plants with beautiful blooms and eye appeal.
Right up front, keep in mind that oleanders are poisonous.  As a matter of fact, all parts of oleanders are poisonous and should be planted in areas where direct contact with people will be limited – especially children and curious pets.   Oleander are considered a toxic plant capable of poisoning or killing  both humans and livestock.  Symptoms of poisoning from consumption of leaves includes severe gastroenteritis, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating and weakness.  Heart rate is also affected.  If ingestion is suspected, immediately contact a physician, hospital or poison control center.  To prevent poisonings, plant oleander at sites in your landscape where people will not come in direct contact.  Parents should avoid planting oleander in their landscapes where small children could accidentally consume the plant.  Never burn this plant when disposing of pruned branches!  The airborne oils may cause respiratory problems from inhaling the smoke.  Also, keep pets and livestock away from this plant.  Oleanders do not have to be completely barred from all landscapes, but education as to common-sense precautions and plant placements will limit the danger of poisoning.
<figure id="attachment_6833" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6833" style="width: 297px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-6833" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/files/2022/06/DSC02811-225x300.jpg" alt="a row of bushes with light pink flowers" width="297" height="396" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6833" class="wp-caption-text">A mass-planting of dwarf Petite Pink&#8217; oleander</figcaption></figure>
Perhaps the only benefit provided by the toxic nature of oleanders is that rabbits (and deer) tend to leave it alone!  With this in mind, the dwarf oleanders commonly found include the cultivars &#8216;Petite Pink&#8217; and &#8216;Petite Salmon&#8217;.  Another cultivar called ‘Little Red’ grows a bit taller to six-feet tall and wide with deep red blooms.  Rarely needing trimming, these varieties are great subjects for sunny areas where their drought-tolerance and adaption to seaside plantings can be showcased.  Dwarf oleanders are great for short, managed borders, and even take well to container culture.  While oleanders require regular watering during establishment, they are able to take droughty conditions better than many plants.  Additionally, these landscape subjects have low fertilizer needs and established plants actually have little to no supplemental fertilizer requirements.
All oleanders are generally pest-free with the exception of the insidious oleander caterpillar.  This orange and black moth larva is probably the most common pest of oleander referred to our office for identification.  The moth is truly beautiful and easy to identify – purple/blue-black wings and body covered with white dots topped off with a red-tipped abdomen.  Common in March, July and December, the adult female moth lays up to 75 orange eggs.  The resulting caterpillars can literally defoliate this shrub making it an eyesore.  Damaged shrubs will grow back however, but repeated defoliations may weaken the shrub. The caterpillars can be managed when small with the biological control, Bacillus thuringensis or Bt available at most garden centers.  Used according to label instructions, this least-toxic material affects only caterpillars.   Predatory stink bugs will also take their share of oleander caterpillars, as will a variety of other predators and parasites.
In spite of its cautions, the dwarf oleander is a Florida-Friendly Landscaping&#x2122; recommended plant suitable for planting in our area!   Dwarf oleanders are particularly nice for small-space gardens and should be used more often taking into consideration their toxic potential. For more information on flowering shrubs (and even toxic plants), , you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.  Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for the UF/IFAS Charlotte County Extension Service. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or <a href="mailto:ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov">ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov</a>.
Resources: 
Gilman E. F., Watson, D. G., Klein, R. W.,  Koeser, A. K. Hilbert D. R., &amp; McLean, D. C. (2018) Nerium oleander: Oleander.  The University of Florida Extension Services, IFAS. 
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping&#x2122; Guide to Plant Selection &amp; Landscape Design (2010) The University of Florida Extension Services, IFAS. 
McAuslane H., (2020) Featured Creatures Oleander Caterpillar.  The University of Florida, IFAS. 
Landre, C. (2020) Dwarf Oleander &#8211; Nerium oleander, &#8216;Petite Pink&#8217; South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com. 
Russ, K., Polomski, R. F. &amp; Williamson, J. (2019) Oleander. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. 
Dave’s Garden (2022) Oleander &#8211; Nerium oleander ‘Little Red&#8217;.

Multiple pink blossoms emerge from this ‘Petite Pink’ oleander
The oleander is a very common landscape plant in Charlotte County.  This evergreen plant does provide substantial blooming power and is a useful subject for hedges and as specimen plants.  While you more often may see full-sized oleander varieties ten to eighteen-feet tall, there are dwarf cultivars which average only three to four feet – less need for pruning.   Dwarf oleanders are very versatile and adaptable plants with beautiful blooms and eye appeal.
Right up front, keep in mind that oleanders are poisonous.  As a matter of fact, all parts of oleanders are poisonous and should be planted in areas where direct contact with people will be limited – especially children and curious pets.   Oleander are considered a toxic plant capable of poisoning or killing  both humans and livestock.  Symptoms of poisoning from consumption of leaves includes severe gastroenteritis, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating and weakness.  Heart rate is also affected.  If ingestion is suspected, immediately contact a physician, hospital or poison control center.  To prevent poisonings, plant oleander at sites in your landscape where people will not come in direct contact.  Parents should avoid planting oleander in their landscapes where small children could accidentally consume the plant.  Never burn this plant when disposing of pruned branches!  The airborne oils may cause respiratory problems from inhaling the smoke.  Also, keep pets and livestock away from this plant.  Oleanders do not have to be completely barred from all landscapes, but education as to common-sense precautions and plant placements will limit the danger of poisoning.
A mass-planting of dwarf Petite Pink’ oleander
Perhaps the only benefit provided by the toxic nature of oleanders is that rabbits (and deer) tend to leave it alone!  With this in mind, the dwarf oleanders commonly found include the cultivars ‘Petite Pink’ and ‘Petite Salmon’.  Another cultivar called ‘Little Red’ grows a bit taller to six-feet tall and wide with deep red blooms.  Rarely needing trimming, these varieties are great subjects for sunny areas where their drought-tolerance and adaption to seaside plantings can be showcased.  Dwarf oleanders are great for short, managed borders, and even take well to container culture.  While oleanders require regular watering during establishment, they are able to take droughty conditions better than many plants.  Additionally, these landscape subjects have low fertilizer needs and established plants actually have little to no supplemental fertilizer requirements.
All oleanders are generally pest-free with the exception of the insidious oleander caterpillar.  This orange and black moth larva is probably the most common pest of oleander referred to our office for identification.  The moth is truly beautiful and easy to identify – purple/blue-black wings and body covered with white dots topped off with a red-tipped abdomen.  Common in March, July and December, the adult female moth lays up to 75 orange eggs.  The resulting caterpillars can literally defoliate this shrub making it an eyesore.  Damaged shrubs will grow back however, but repeated defoliations may weaken the shrub. The caterpillars can be managed when small with the biological control, Bacillus thuringensis or Bt available at most garden centers.  Used according to label instructions, this least-toxic material affects only caterpillars.   Predatory stink bugs will also take their share of oleander caterpillars, as will a variety of other predators and parasites.
In spite of its cautions, the dwarf oleander is a Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ recommended plant suitable for planting in our area!   Dwarf oleanders are particularly nice for small-space gardens and should be used more often taking into consideration their toxic potential. For more information on flowering shrubs (and even toxic plants), , you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.  Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for the UF/IFAS Charlotte County Extension Service. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov.
Resources:
Gilman E. F., Watson, D. G., Klein, R. W.,  Koeser, A. K. Hilbert D. R., & McLean, D. C. (2018) Nerium oleander: Oleander.  The University of Florida Extension Services, IFAS.
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design (2010) The University of Florida Extension Services, IFAS.
McAuslane H., (2020) Featured Creatures Oleander Caterpillar.  The University of Florida, IFAS.
Landre, C. (2020) Dwarf Oleander – Nerium oleander, ‘Petite Pink’ South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com.
Russ, K., Polomski, R. F. & Williamson, J. (2019) Oleander. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.
Dave’s Garden (2022) Oleander – Nerium oleander ‘Little Red’.

The oleander is a very common landscape plant in Charlotte County.  This evergreen plant does provide substantial blooming power and is a useful subject for hedges and as specimen plants.  While you more often may see full-sized oleander varieties ten to eighteen-feet tall, there are dwarf cultivars which average only three to four feet – […]

Dwarf oleanders are easy to keep in-bounds

The very first plant I received when I moved to Charlotte County almost twenty-years ago was a desert rose given to me by Master Gardener volunteers as a welcome gift. It was a plant I had heard of, but never grown before. First in a pot and then in the ground, this flowering plant never [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_5562" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5562" style="width: 323px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-5562" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/files/2020/07/desert-rose1-768x1024.jpg" alt="desert rose plant" width="323" height="431" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5562" class="wp-caption-text">Colorful flowers and exotic form &#8211; the desert rose. Photo by Nicole Mitchell</figcaption></figure>
The very first plant I received when I moved to Charlotte County almost twenty-years ago was a desert rose given to me by Master Gardener volunteers as a welcome gift. It was a plant I had heard of, but never grown before. First in a pot and then in the ground, this flowering plant never disappointed me with its unique appearance and colorful flowers. Desert roses are very popular plants, and I would recommend them as a gift for the gardener who has everything.
To begin, the desert rose is not a rose at all, but a relative of some more familiar plants including Allamanda, Plumeria, Oleander and Carissa. This drought-tolerant plant is originally from desert regions ranging from Africa to the Arabian Peninsula. Noted for thick stems and a swollen base, desert roses have smooth grayish-green branches and glossy green leaves. Growing upwards to six-feet tall, the base of desert rose is called a caudex which is often noticeably swollen giving the plant an almost bonsai-like quality. The flowers in cultivated desert roses are tubular with flared lips available in colors including red, pink and white – some forms sporting double or even triple petals and fragrance!
Desert roses are good for containers or in the landscape. Containers work well because they offer very good drainage and mobility if winter temperatures or overly rainy weather occur. Use a well-drained (cactus) potting mix and a pot wide enough to accommodate the expanding swollen stem. If planted in the landscape, select a full sun area in well-drained soil. Soil modifications may be needed to ensure a well-drained area as excess moisture will promote stem and root rots. Raised beds are one idea using loose rubble or rocks with sandy soil to build a flat, eighteen-inch mound. Using a mixture of seventy five percent sand to twenty-five percent top soil, plant the desert rose at the same depth it was in the pot being careful not to damage the roots. Don’t use organic mulch around desert roses as excess moisture retention can encourage rots. Desert roses can take a lot of rain in temperatures above eighty degrees F as long as the soil is well-drained. However, cool temperatures and moisture will initiate problems. Don’t be surprised by significant leaf loss during the winter – this is normal. Temperatures below forty-degrees F can cause branch tip damage and accordingly protection during cold weather may be needed.
While desert roses can attract scale insects and mealy bugs, one of the worst insect problems that I have seen is the oleander caterpillar. Due to its relation to oleander, desert roses can become infested with this defolating insect – sometimes suddenly. While you could use a least-toxic insecticide like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for control purposes, handpicking may be easier to undertake with quicker results. Frequent monitoring is advised.
In general, desert roses do not need much in the way of pruning. If you conduct any pruning to stimulate bushiness, do it early in the growing season and use disinfected pruners. Also, wear gloves as the sap is considered toxic.
Some named cultivars to look for include ‘Singapore’ with pink flowers and ‘Grumbley’s White’ with white flowers. Local specialty growers will also have many additional cultivars and forms available. Try these “Roses of the Desert” in your yard today! For more information on all types of plants for your Florida Yard, or to ask a question, please visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteMGLifeline/">https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteMGLifeline/</a>. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for the UF/IFAS Charlotte County Extension Service. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or <a href="mailto:ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov">ralph.mitchell@charlot tecountyfl.gov</a>.
Don&#8217;t forget that Florida-Friendly Landscaping&#x2122; is a program that our office encourages as it promotes planting the &#8220;right plant in the right place&#8221;, water conservation, common sense pest management, sensible use of fertilizers, composting, etc. that help develop a sustainable landscape. For more information on this important, over-arching program, please contact Sara Weber, FFL Education-Training Specialist, at <a href="mailto:Sara.Weber@charlottecountyfl.gov">Sara.Weber@charlottecountyfl.gov</a> .
Resources: 
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions (2020) &#8211; Desert Rose. University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS. 
McLaughlin, J. &amp; Garafalo, J. (2002) Desert Rose. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS, Miami-Dade County 
Landre, C. (2020) Desert Rose &#8211; Adenium obesum. South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com

Colorful flowers and exotic form – the desert rose. Photo by Nicole Mitchell
The very first plant I received when I moved to Charlotte County almost twenty-years ago was a desert rose given to me by Master Gardener volunteers as a welcome gift. It was a plant I had heard of, but never grown before. First in a pot and then in the ground, this flowering plant never disappointed me with its unique appearance and colorful flowers. Desert roses are very popular plants, and I would recommend them as a gift for the gardener who has everything.
To begin, the desert rose is not a rose at all, but a relative of some more familiar plants including Allamanda, Plumeria, Oleander and Carissa. This drought-tolerant plant is originally from desert regions ranging from Africa to the Arabian Peninsula. Noted for thick stems and a swollen base, desert roses have smooth grayish-green branches and glossy green leaves. Growing upwards to six-feet tall, the base of desert rose is called a caudex which is often noticeably swollen giving the plant an almost bonsai-like quality. The flowers in cultivated desert roses are tubular with flared lips available in colors including red, pink and white – some forms sporting double or even triple petals and fragrance!
Desert roses are good for containers or in the landscape. Containers work well because they offer very good drainage and mobility if winter temperatures or overly rainy weather occur. Use a well-drained (cactus) potting mix and a pot wide enough to accommodate the expanding swollen stem. If planted in the landscape, select a full sun area in well-drained soil. Soil modifications may be needed to ensure a well-drained area as excess moisture will promote stem and root rots. Raised beds are one idea using loose rubble or rocks with sandy soil to build a flat, eighteen-inch mound. Using a mixture of seventy five percent sand to twenty-five percent top soil, plant the desert rose at the same depth it was in the pot being careful not to damage the roots. Don’t use organic mulch around desert roses as excess moisture retention can encourage rots. Desert roses can take a lot of rain in temperatures above eighty degrees F as long as the soil is well-drained. However, cool temperatures and moisture will initiate problems. Don’t be surprised by significant leaf loss during the winter – this is normal. Temperatures below forty-degrees F can cause branch tip damage and accordingly protection during cold weather may be needed.
While desert roses can attract scale insects and mealy bugs, one of the worst insect problems that I have seen is the oleander caterpillar. Due to its relation to oleander, desert roses can become infested with this defolating insect – sometimes suddenly. While you could use a least-toxic insecticide like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for control purposes, handpicking may be easier to undertake with quicker results. Frequent monitoring is advised.
In general, desert roses do not need much in the way of pruning. If you conduct any pruning to stimulate bushiness, do it early in the growing season and use disinfected pruners. Also, wear gloves as the sap is considered toxic.
Some named cultivars to look for include ‘Singapore’ with pink flowers and ‘Grumbley’s White’ with white flowers. Local specialty growers will also have many additional cultivars and forms available. Try these “Roses of the Desert” in your yard today! For more information on all types of plants for your Florida Yard, or to ask a question, please visit https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteMGLifeline/. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for the UF/IFAS Charlotte County Extension Service. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlot tecountyfl.gov.
Don’t forget that Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ is a program that our office encourages as it promotes planting the “right plant in the right place”, water conservation, common sense pest management, sensible use of fertilizers, composting, etc. that help develop a sustainable landscape. For more information on this important, over-arching program, please contact Sara Weber, FFL Education-Training Specialist, at Sara.Weber@charlottecountyfl.gov .
Resources:
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions (2020) – Desert Rose. University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
McLaughlin, J. & Garafalo, J. (2002) Desert Rose. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS, Miami-Dade County
Landre, C. (2020) Desert Rose – Adenium obesum. South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com

The very first plant I received when I moved to Charlotte County almost twenty-years ago was a desert rose given to me by Master Gardener volunteers as a welcome gift. It was a plant I had heard of, but never grown before. First in a pot and then in the ground, this flowering plant never […]

Roses of the Desert

Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a non-native to Florida but is adapted to the state&#8217;s climate. It can be found as a rounded shrub to a tree up to 18 feet tall and has flowers in shades of red, yellow, white or pink. This publication, the tenth in the Key Plant, Key Pests series, identifies common [&#8230;]

Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a non-native to Florida but is adapted to the state&#8217;s climate. It can be found as a rounded shrub to a tree up to 18 feet tall and has flowers in shades of red, yellow, white or pink. This publication, the tenth in the Key Plant, Key Pests series, identifies common pests found on oleander, how to recognize these pests and offers management suggestions.
<figure id="attachment_1242" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1242" style="width: 531px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-1242 size-full lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="531" height="354" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/mrec/files/2019/09/Oleander-blooms-in-a-bright-pink-color-UF-IFAS.jpeg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1242" class="wp-caption-text">Oleander blooms in a bright pink color. Credit: UF /FAS</figcaption></figure>
The Key Plant, Key Pests publications is designed for Florida gardeners, horticulturalists, and landscape professionals to help identify common pests associated with common Florida flora.
To read and/or download the Key Plant, Key Pests: Oleander (Nerium oleander) publication, <a href="http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep574" target="_blank" rel="noopener">follow this link</a>.

Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a non-native to Florida but is adapted to the state’s climate. It can be found as a rounded shrub to a tree up to 18 feet tall and has flowers in shades of red, yellow, white or pink. This publication, the tenth in the Key Plant, Key Pests series, identifies common pests found on oleander, how to recognize these pests and offers management suggestions.
Oleander blooms in a bright pink color. Credit: UF /FAS
The Key Plant, Key Pests publications is designed for Florida gardeners, horticulturalists, and landscape professionals to help identify common pests associated with common Florida flora.
To read and/or download the Key Plant, Key Pests: Oleander (Nerium oleander) publication, follow this link.

Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a non-native to Florida but is adapted to the state’s climate. It can be found as a rounded shrub to a tree up to 18 feet tall and has flowers in shades of red, yellow, white or pink. This publication, the tenth in the Key Plant, Key Pests series, identifies common […]

Oleander

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Key Plant, Key Pests: Oleander (Nerium oleander)

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Nerium oleander 'Variegatum': 'Variegatum' Oleander

Nerium oleander: Oleander

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