Oleander varieties
Choose oleander by the decision that matters: dwarf forms suit patio containers, large forms suit screening, and single, double or variegated forms change the display. All remain Nerium oleander.
Check the species, variety, group or trade name
Plant names and labels
- Taxonomy
- The target is the accepted species Nerium oleander. Named selections such as Petite Pink, Hardy Red and Sister Agnes are cultivars within that species, not separate species.
- Group
- Useful choice groups include dwarf container forms, large landscape or screening forms, single-flowered forms, double-flowered often fragrant forms and variegated-leaf forms.
Compare visible shape, pattern and size
How the varieties differ
UF/IFAS lists flower-color and flower-form differences, including Calypso cherry-red single flowers, Sister Agnes white single flowers, double-flowered selections and the dwarf Petite Pink and Petite Salmon. Clemson adds size, cold-response and variegated-selection differences.
Change care only for a named difference
Care differences
Choose a dwarf selection when a patio container or smaller footprint matters, choose a double-flowered form when fragrance or spent-flower retention matters, and treat cold hardiness as cultivar-specific. All selections still need bright, warm and protected culture.
Treat an unverified identity as uncertain
Limits of plant labels
Sources
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy; cultivation; hazards
- Royal Horticultural SocietyBotanical details; cultivation; patio and container plants
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxDescription; cultivars / varieties; container and houseplant note
- University of Florida IFAS ExtensionCultivars; flower color and type; dwarf and variegated cultivars
- Clemson University Cooperative ExtensionCultivars; ornamental features; landscape use