Dwarf Apricot Oleander

Dwarf Apricot Oleander (Nerium oleander 'Dwarf Apricot') is a compact, hardy evergreen that grows about 1.5m high and wide. From late spring to early autumn it carries pale blush-apricot flowers, and it is tough enough for sandy soil, drought, light frost and coastal gardens. All parts are poisonous if eaten, so keep it out of gardens with pets or very small children.

Why you'll love it

• Soft apricot flowers. Pale blush-apricot blooms appear from late spring to early autumn, a gentler tone than the usual hot pinks and reds.
• A compact size. At 1.5m it suits smaller gardens and large pots, where a full size oleander would take over.
• Tough in poor conditions. It is happy in sandy areas and poor soil, drought hardy and tolerant of light frost. It will even grow on heavy soils.
• Pollution tolerant. Roadside and city conditions that sulk most shrubs do not trouble it.
• A butterfly host. It is an excellent host plant for the common crow butterfly, so expect some caterpillars among the leaves.

Where it works best

Mass displays. Plant in groups, 1.2m apart, for a block of flowering colour. At that spacing the shrubs meet as they mature.

Dense hedging. In warm gardens it makes a compact flowering hedge at the same 1.2m spacing, clipped lightly after flowering.

Large pots. Suitable for large containers. A potting mix rich with peat moss or humus is ideal.

Coastal and sandy gardens. It suits coastal plantings and the sandy, poor soil that defeats fussier shrubs.

Growing Dwarf Apricot Oleander in Australia

Position and climate. Choose a position from full sun to part shade. It is a hardy shrub suited to most conditions and to coastal plantings, and it grows best in warm climates. It tolerates drought and light frost, so it suits tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens.

Soil. Plant in free draining soil rich in organic matter. In pots, use a mix rich with peat moss or humus.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well while it establishes. Once settled it is very drought hardy.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to promote new growth. Wear gloves when pruning, compost the cuttings and never burn them.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Dwarf Apricot Oleander as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical choice for a hedge or mass planting. The 140mm pots give a bigger plant to start with. Choose your size on this page.

The tubes come from our grower, and stock is not constant. When the grower has none the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is available again.

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

• Flowering plants
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Which plants are risky for pets
• Drought tolerant plants

Common questions

Is Dwarf Apricot Oleander poisonous?

Yes. Like all oleanders it is poisonous to people and animals if eaten, so it is not advised for gardens with pets or very small children.

How big will it grow?

About 1.5m high and wide, much smaller than a standard oleander.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. It suits large pots in a sunny spot, with a mix rich in humus or peat moss and a good layer of mulch.