Nerium oleander 'Ruby Embers' – Ruby Embers Oleander

Nerium oleander 'Ruby Embers' is an evergreen shrub grown for its deep ruby-red flowers, produced heavily from late spring through to autumn. The narrow leathery grey-green foliage is dense to the ground, which is why oleander is used as much for screening as for flower. It is one of the toughest flowering shrubs available. Once established it handles drought, heat, salt wind, poor soil and roadside conditions with almost no attention, which is why it appears so often in unirrigated median strips and coastal plantings. Full sun gives the heaviest flowering. Mature plants reach 3 to 4 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide, and clip readily to a lower hedge. Important: all parts of Nerium oleander are highly toxic if eaten, to people, dogs, cats and livestock. Smoke from burning prunings is also toxic. It is not a suitable choice for properties with grazing animals, or gardens where young children or pets are unsupervised. Wear gloves when pruning and dispose of clippings in green waste rather than burning them. Where those conditions rule it out, ask us and we will suggest a safe alternative that does the same job. Frequently Asked Questions About Nerium oleander 'Ruby Embers' Is oleander poisonous?Yes. All parts of Nerium oleander are highly toxic if eaten, including leaves, stems, flowers and sap, and the toxicity is not reduced by drying. Smoke from burning prunings is also dangerous. Avoid it entirely on properties with grazing animals, and think carefully before planting where young children or pets are unsupervised. Wear gloves when pruning and put clippings in green waste, never on a fire. If ingestion is suspected, contact a doctor, vet or the Poisons Information Centre immediately. How big does 'Ruby Embers' grow?Mature plants reach approximately 3 to 4 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide, forming a dense upright shrub. Growth is moderate to fast at 30 to 60 centimetres per year, and it can be pruned to hold a lower hedge at 1.5 to 2 metres. When does it flower?'Ruby Embers' flowers heavily from late spring through summer and into autumn, typically November to April. Deep ruby-red flowers are carried in clusters at the branch tips. Flowering is longest and heaviest in full sun. How drought tolerant is oleander?Exceptionally. Once established it survives on rainfall alone across most of Australia, which is why it is so widely used in unirrigated roadside and median plantings. Water regularly through the first summer to establish, then only in extended dry spells. Is it suitable for coastal gardens?Yes. Oleander is one of the most salt-tolerant flowering shrubs available and handles direct coastal exposure and salt wind without burning. It also copes with sandy soils and reflected heat from paving and walls. Can oleander be used as a hedge?Yes. It holds foliage low to the ground and responds well to pruning, making it a reliable informal screen or clipped hedge. Plant 1.5 metres apart for a dense screen. Prune after the main flowering flush, wearing gloves. Is it frost tolerant?It handles light to moderate frost once established, but is best avoided in heavy inland frost districts. It performs strongly across warm temperate, subtropical and coastal Australia, and in hot dry inland areas where few other flowering shrubs cope. How do I care for it?Very little is needed. Water through the first summer, then only in extended dry periods. Prune after the main flowering flush to keep it dense, always wearing gloves and long sleeves. Feed lightly in early spring if growth is slow. Dispose of all prunings in green waste and never burn them.