Little Red Oleander (Nerium oleander 'Little Red')｜ Compact Dwarf Flowering Shrub

Little Red Oleander

5 Gallon

$52.00

Little Red Oleander

Nerium oleander 'Single Red'

A compact, dwarf oleander with non-stop clusters of vibrant deep red blooms, perfect for small spaces and containers.

$52.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Nerium oleander 'Little Red' is a compact, dwarf evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant, deep red flowers and manageable size. This robust cultivar produces an abundance of single, funnel-shaped, five-petaled blooms in rich, dark red, clustered at the branch tips . Flowering from late spring through fall, it provides a long-lasting display of bold, tropical color. With its dense, rounded habit, leathery, lance-shaped, dark green leaves, and exceptional tolerance for heat, drought, and salt spray, it is an outstanding choice for small gardens, foundation plantings, low hedges, and containers where a full-sized oleander would be too large.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Leathery, lance-shaped, dark green leaves; clusters of single, funnel-shaped, five-petaled, deep red flowers with a light fragrance, blooming from late spring through fall .
Mature Height: 3-4 ft
Mature Spread: 3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m)
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9-11 ; Sunset 8-16, 18-24, H1, H2
Light Requirement: Full sun
Core Benefits: Vibrant deep red flowers, compact dwarf habit, long bloom season (spring to fall), extremely heat, drought, and salt tolerant, deer resistant.
Best Uses: Low hedges, foundation plantings, small gardens, containers, coastal gardens, Mediterranean gardens, xeriscape gardens.

Q: How large does 'Little Red' Oleander get?
A: It is a true dwarf, typically reaching only 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) in both height and spread at maturity, making it ideal for small gardens and containers where larger oleanders would be too big .

Q: How much sun does it need for the best flowering?
A: Nerium oleander requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) for the most abundant and vibrant flower display. In partial shade, flowering will be significantly reduced .

Q: Is it tolerant of coastal conditions?
A: Yes, oleanders are exceptionally tolerant of salt spray, sandy soils, and coastal winds, making them one of the best choices for seaside gardens .

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant. Water regularly during its first year to establish a deep root system. After that, it requires little to no supplemental water, even in hot, dry climates .

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, oleanders are highly resistant to deer browsing due to their toxic sap. However, this same toxicity means all parts of the plant are highly poisonous to humans and pets if ingested .

Q: When should I prune it?
A: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Oleanders bloom on new wood, so pruning at this time will promote vigorous, flowering growth . This dwarf variety requires minimal pruning to maintain its compact shape.

Q: Is it frost hardy?
A: It is reliably hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It is less cold-tolerant than larger oleanders and may be damaged by frost in zone 9a . In colder areas, it should be grown in a container and brought indoors for winter protection.