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Care of the plant Thevetia peruviana or Yellow oleander.

Care of the shrub Thevetia peruviana or Yellow oleander

The genus Thevetia, family Apocynaceae, comprises 8 species of shrubs and small trees native to tropical regions of America. Some species are: Thevetia peruviana, Thevetia thevetioides, Thevetia gaumeri, Thevetia ovata.

Common names: Yellow oleander, Lucky nut. This species is native to Mexico and Central America.

They are perennial shrubs with a short, highly branched trunk that can reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. The decorative leaves, leathery and shiny, have a linear or lanceolate shape with a lighter midrib. The pretty tubular flowers can be yellow, orange or white and produce a pleasant perfume. They bloom in summer in the Mediterranean climate and several times a year in tropical and subtropical climates. They produce chestnut-like fruits (the seeds are poisonous).

Yellow oleander is used as isolated specimens, in small groups, to form hedges, in large pots for patios and terraces and as indoor plants. It's very toxic plants if any of its parts are ingested; it's not recommended for gardens where children play.

Thevetia peruviana needs full sun or semi-shade exposure and a warm climate. It does not resist frost.

The soil must be fertile and very well drained; use a normal garden soil with organic matter and coarse sand.

Water regularly waiting for the soil to be almost dry. Yellow oleander resists short periods of drought.

Fertilize in autumn with manure or compost.

Prune in late winter to keep it compact.

Thevetia peruviana is a resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases.

Yellow oleander propagates from cuttings rooted in a sandy substrate that receives heat from below; it also propagates by seeds soaked a few hours in hot water before sowing them.

Images of the shrub Thevetia peruviana or Yellow oleander

Thevetia peruviana
Thevetia peruviana
Thevetia peruviana
Thevetia peruviana
Thevetia peruviana
Thevetia peruviana
Thevetia peruviana
Thevetia peruviana