adelfas

[zoewally04]

we have been living in tenerife and have seen shrubs we have been told are called adelfas. We want to know the english name and if they can be bought here in the UK.

[YvonneM]

Better known as oleander; but you may not want this plant as all parts of it are extremely poisonous

[n00dles]

Hi zoewally

Have looked in various plant books and OED, but cannot find anything listed under this name.

Do you know if this is the genus name, or could it be the common name (spanish), of which we would possibly have a different one? If so, lets hope someone will know the English common name, and advise you. Sorry I couldn't be of help.

[n00dles]

Well done Yvonne

OOPS Must be my bedtime! lol :o}

[hammerman]

The latin name for oleander is "Nerium Oleander" They like hot sunny dry conditions and are fairly easy to grow. They come in green or varigated forms and flowers range from pinks to reds to white.

All parts of the plant are poisonous and can be fatal if ingested.

They can be grown in this country provided winter frost protection is given. They will love being on the patio in the sun during summer but should really be bought in to a frost free environment in winter.....a conservatory is ideal for them.

They are very prone to red spider mites and mealy bugs so beware.

This is off the top of my head so if i've missed anything out, i'm sure someone will add it.

[hammerman]

Just found this http://www.mulu.co.uk/plant_info.php?id=512

It says they will tolerate a heavy frost but personally i wouldn't risk it. If they were planted in the garden all year, you may get away with it in the south if they were pruned hard back and covered in straw.