Oleander, << `oh` lee AN duhr, >> is a popular ornamental flowering shrub. The oleander sometimes grows 15 feet (4.6 meters) tall. It has leathery, lance-shaped leaves and colorful roselike flowers. The two most common varieties have red and white blossoms. The oleander is native to the warm parts of Asia and to the Mediterranean region. Gardeners plant the oleander outdoors in warm climates. However, they grow it indoors in pots and tubs in temperate regions. It is a favorite porch plant in summer.
Gardeners raise the oleander from cuttings. When the cuttings are placed in bottles of water, they will form roots in a few weeks. After the cuttings root, they must be transplanted to moist, rich soil, where they grow well. All parts of the oleander are poisonous to eat.
