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Overview
Nerium splendens Variegata or the Variegated Oleander is a bushy evergreen shrub that grows thickly and quickly in almost any conditions - but it is poisonous (if eaten in sufficient quantities).
It has long, slim leaves and open, star-shaped flowers.
Its dense, bushy, fast-growing nature lends itself well to hedging - but ensure you pant rows of the same variety as they have different foliar characteristics.
Nerium splendens Variegata bears double pink flowers and the leaves have a gold variegation..
Soil: Will put up with just about any soil conditions providing it is in reasonably full sun.
Maintenance: Will take strong pruning if you want to keep it shaped and at its fullest flowering. Otherwise a light pruning after flowering will keep it tidy.
Every few years its worth cutting some stems back to 10cms from ground level.
Apart from this they require little maintenance and will put up with drought, pollution and general neglect.
Toxicity: All parts of this plant are toxic and deaths have been reported from significant ingestions - though rare.
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy and dizziness.
Delayed effects include slow heart beat, seizures and coma.
The flower perfume may cause respiratory irritation and skin contact with the sap may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
It's poisonous contents being glycocytes means that animals won't touch it - but it takes large quantities to poison humans - and it tastes so awful you'd have to be determined or raving mad!
There are no recorded cases of serious poisoning for humans.
Other Species: 2 species in the Nerium genus.
Comments: Take cuttings and place in a jar of water to see new roots grow before potting.
Author: Bob Saunders.