Nerium Oleander simple pink Emilie

Description

I’ve got this rare Oleander variety – Nerium Oleander simple pink Emilie – that I grew from splitting an old parent plant. The flowers are shaped like a spinning propeller and have a soft, radiant pink hue. It’s one of those plants you don’t see in local garden centres, which is why I’m sharing it.

It’s currently 90cm tall with two strong stems and will keep branching out, producing more shoots each season. The plant grows well in full sun and loves well-drained soil – I’ve been using John Innes No. 3 with a bit of grit. It’s not frost hardy, so I keep it in a sunny south-facing porch over winter where it’s protected from the cold and wet.

I’ve had a big one nearby surviving year-round in that spot, so I know it can work in a good microclimate. In the UK, it’s best to grow it in a large pot and move it outdoors from May to September, then bring it inside when temps drop below 5°C. No over-watering – the roots hate sitting in wet soil, especially in winter.

Like poinsettias, the sap can sting, so wear gloves if you’re pruning. And no eating any part of it – it’s not safe.

It’s a solid, long-lived tropical plant that’s been thriving in my garden. I’m asking £12, which is fair considering how rare it is and how much effort it takes to grow. I’ve only seen it in a few places, so it’s a bit of a find. Based in Bangor, Gwynedd.