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South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Oleander is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Very low water once established. 1-2x per week dry season. Outstanding drought tolerance. Highway median-proven.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Balanced 8-2-12. Low maintenance feeder.
Schedule: February and September balanced fertilizer.
Salt Tolerance
Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.
- Mature Height
- 6–20 ft
- Mature Width
- 6–15 ft
- Growth Rate
- fast
- Water Demand
- 1/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $$
- USDA Zones
- 8, 9, 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 10/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Oleander at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Oleander grow in South Florida?
Oleander has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Oleander safe for pets?
Oleander is not safe for pets. EXTREMELY TOXIC — potentially FATAL to cats, dogs, horses, and other animals. All parts. A small amount of any plant part can kill a pet. MANDATORY disclosure. DO NOT install in homes with pets.
How much water does Oleander need in South Florida?
Low water needs (1/10). Once established (12–18 months), Oleander is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Oleander tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Oleander has high salt tolerance (8/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.
Is Oleander available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Oleander is classified as: allowed. Legal to plant.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Legal to plant. EXTREME TOXICITY MANDATORY WRITTEN DISCLOSURE REQUIRED.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Legal. EXTREME TOXICITY — mandatory written disclosure.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Legal. EXTREME TOXICITY disclosure mandatory.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Legal. EXTREME TOXICITY disclosure mandatory.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Legal. EXTREME TOXICITY disclosure mandatory.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
Need a Spec Sheet?
Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Oleander
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.