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Plant Description:
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Nerium oleander 'Album' is a cultivar of the Nerium oleander plant. It is a evergreen shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. It is known for its long, narrow leaves and large clusters of white flowers. The flowers of the 'Album' cultivar are particularly striking, as they are a pure, snow-white color.
Nerium oleander is a very versatile plant, and it can be grown as a hedge, a specimen plant, or even a small tree. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is not tolerant of frost. It is also tolerant of salt and drought, which makes it a good choice for coastal areas. It can be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, or by layering.
The plant can be poisonous if consumed, So you have to be careful if you have pets or small children. With this species also the flowers are poisonous as well, which is not typical. It's best to wash hands well after touching the plant and to not allow children or pets to eat any parts of the plant.
Overall, Nerium oleander 'Album' is a striking and hardy plant that can add a beautiful white color to any garden or landscape.
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Growing tips:
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Caring for Nerium oleander 'Album' is relatively easy, as the plant is quite hardy and tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
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Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun, but it can tolerate some shade.
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Watering: Nerium oleander 'Album' is drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal watering. However, it will thrive with regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods. Be careful not to over water as it can cause root rot.
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Soil: This plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soil with a neutral pH. Adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure can improve the soil.
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Fertilizer: Nerium oleander 'Album' doesn't require a lot of fertilizer, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help encourage healthy growth.
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Pruning: Pruning is not necessary but you can prune it to maintain shape or control size. When you prune it, make sure you wear gloves as all parts of the plant are toxic.
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Cold protection: This plant is not cold hardy and will not tolerate frost. In areas where frost is common, the plant should be protected during the winter. In this case, you can move it indoors or to a protected area, or use frost protection methods such as covering the plant with a frost blanket.
Overall, Nerium oleander 'Album' is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that can add a beautiful white color to any garden or landscape. With the proper care and protection, it will grow well and produce beautiful flowers for many years to come.
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Benefits:
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Nerium oleander 'Album' is not only a beautiful plant, but it also has a number of benefits. Some of the benefits of this plant include:
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Environmental benefits: Nerium oleander 'Album' is a great choice for xeriscaping and for planting in areas with poor soil quality. It is tolerant of salt and drought, which makes it a good choice for coastal areas.
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Ornamental benefits: The large clusters of pure white flowers of Nerium oleander 'Album' make it an attractive addition to any garden or landscape. The plant can be grown as a hedge, a specimen plant, or even a small tree, which makes it a versatile ornamental plant.
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Medicinal benefits: Nerium oleander is known for its medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Extracts from the leaves and bark have been used to treat a variety of ailments, such as heart problems, cancer, skin conditions and wounds. However, it's important to note that all parts of the oleander plant are toxic and should not be consumed or used medicinally without the guidance of a medical professional.
It is also an important nectar source for bees and butterflies, making it an important plant for supporting pollinators.
Keep in mind that despite these benefits, Nerium oleander 'Album' should be handled with caution as all parts of the plant are poisonous, So you have to be careful if you have pets or small children.
