Madonna Grandiflorum Oleander

Madonna Grandiflorum Oleander (Nerium oleander 'Madonna Grandiflorum') is a fast growing, hardy evergreen shrub that reaches 2m to 3m high and wide, with abundant double white flowers. It copes with hot, dry sites, polluted roadsides and coastal or inland gardens. 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

• Elegant double white flowers. Multi-petalled white blooms open in abundance against long, slender, leathery leaves.
• Tougher than it looks. It looks exotic, yet it handles hot sun, dry ground, wind and polluted air with ease.
• Coast or inland. It grows in coastal and inland gardens, in tropical or dry climates.
• A butterfly host. It is an excellent host plant for the common crow butterfly, sometimes called the oleander crow.
• Low maintenance. Established plants tolerate dry spells and seasonal rains, and ask for little else.

Where it works best

Flowering screens. Plant 2m apart in a row to form a white flowering screen or informal hedge about 3m tall.

Hot, dry corners. Plant it where the sun is harshest, along a western fence or a dry bank, and let it do what it does best.

Roadsides and exposed boundaries. Pollution and wind do not trouble it, so it suits the front boundary of a busy street.

Large pots and poolside. It also suits a big pot or a poolside bed, though fallen leaves and clippings are toxic, so keep them clear of pets.

Growing Madonna Grandiflorum Oleander in Australia

Position and climate. Choose a full sun position and shade new plants from hot sun while they settle. Once established it may survive an overnight frost, especially in a sheltered spot or an urban garden. Tropical, subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and dry climates all suit it.

Soil. Any free draining soil will do.

Water and feed. Water deeply and mulch through the first 12 weeks while it settles. From then on, drought and seasonal rains both sit within its tolerance.

Pruning. Prune only if needed, after flowering or in autumn, to promote new growth. Gloves on, clippings to the compost, never to the fire.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Madonna Grandiflorum Oleander as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes suit a long screen, and the 140mm pots give a bigger plant to start with. Choose your size on this page.

Tube stock comes from our grower, who does not always have it. When there is none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

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
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Plants to avoid around pets
• Poolside garden plants

Common questions

Is Madonna Grandiflorum oleander dangerous?

It is toxic if any part is eaten, including leaves and cuttings, and 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 butterflies visit it?

Yes. It is a host plant for the common crow butterfly, whose caterpillars feed on the leaves.

Will it grow near the sea?

Yes. It grows in coastal and inland gardens and copes with wind and polluted air, which makes it a tough choice for exposed boundaries. Shade young plants from hot sun while they settle.