Jim: Oleander tend to grow with long, straight branches, so they are not ideal
candidates for bonsai. I don't recall seeing any nice bonsai oleander, but I do
know they are common in our latitude. They are planted in the medians of I-10 and
other roads throughout the New Orleans area. I believe Galveston, TX has an
Oleander Festival every year.
Oleander is one of the plants listed as toxic which really does pose a
danger. Reportedly one leaf is considered sufficient to kill an
adult. An all too common mistake is to use the straight branches to skewer a hot
dog for roasting over an open fire. Fortunately, composting seems to break down the
toxins, so that is a feasible means of removal.
Alan Walker, Lake Charles, LA, USA
http://LCBSBonsai.org http://bonsai-bci.com
================================
Jim Lewis wrote:
My daughter is removing all toxic plants (and a few others from
where the pool is going ;-) from her new yard in St. Pete Beach.
One is a dwarf oleander. Aside from their total toxicity (roots,
stems, leaves, flowers and seeds), does anyone know of oleander
as a bonsai? This one is 4 feet tall and wide, and quite rugged
looking, and was planted in the 50s. We'll be there next weekend....

Oleander will JUST survive in lower zone 8; though I'd have to
give it more protection than I give most of the rest of my trees.
It is amazing how many tropicals can make you ill!
Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++