Alice in Wonderland Oleander

Alice in Wonderland Oleander (Nerium oleander 'Alice in Wonderland') is a hardy, fast growing evergreen shrub that reaches 2m to 3m high and wide, with long, slender, leathery leaves and abundant five-petalled flowers. Each plant opens either dark red or pure white, and you will not know which until it blooms. Every part of an oleander is toxic if eaten, so it is not advised for gardens with pets or very small children.

Why you'll love it

• A flowering surprise. Like the roses in the story that were painted the wrong colour, you find out only at flowering whether you have dark red or pure white blooms.
• Fast, hardy growth. A woody trunk and tough leaves make it a quick, dependable shrub or small screen.
• Built for hard sites. It copes with exposed positions, wind, pollution and seasonal rains, and tolerates periods of drought.
• Low maintenance. Once settled it needs very little beyond an occasional tidy after flowering.
• Plenty of colour. Heavy flowering gives a mass display, so one shrub carries a whole garden corner.

Where it works best

Informal hedges and screens. Plant 2m apart in a row for an informal, flowering hedge or windbreak. Allow the full 2m to 3m width if you want a loose, natural effect.

Exposed and polluted sites. Roadsides, windy boundaries and hot, dry corners suit it well. It also tolerates seaside conditions.

Poolside and large pots. It works in a large pot or beside a pool, where the evergreen foliage and bold flowers earn their keep. Remember that fallen leaves and clippings are toxic too.

Growing Alice in Wonderland Oleander in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun is best. Shade new plants from hot sun while they establish. Once settled, it may come through an overnight frost, especially in a sheltered spot or an urban garden. It thrives in tropical, subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and dry climates, and is marginal where frosts are hard.

Soil. Plant in free draining soil.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well for the first 12 weeks, until established. After that it tolerates dry spells and seasonal rain.

Pruning. Prune after flowering or in autumn, if needed, to promote new growth. Wear gloves, compost the cuttings and never burn them. Wash your hands after handling.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Alice in Wonderland Oleander as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, with narrow leaves, and you will learn its colour when it first flowers. Shade it from strong sun for the first weeks, then plant it in full sun.

Our grower supplies the tube stock and is not always able to. If the tube reads as sold out, press the notify button on this page and we will email you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Hedging and screening plants
• Creating an animal friendly garden
• Drought tolerant plants
• Plants for windbreaks

Common questions

Is oleander poisonous?

Yes. All parts are toxic if eaten, including dried leaves and clippings. It is not advised for gardens with pets or very small children. Wear gloves when pruning, never burn the cuttings and wash your hands afterwards.

Will mine be red or white?

You will not know until it flowers. Each plant opens either dark red or pure white, so treat the colour as a surprise.

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 2m apart for an informal hedge or windbreak. For a single feature shrub, allow the full 3m.