While oleanders are Mediterranean classics, their high toxicity can be a real dealbreaker for many gardeners. If you’re looking to swap out your oleander for something that offers a similar vibe—maybe something a bit safer or better suited for your home—you’ve got some great options!
Here’s a look at some plants that share that signature oleander look, along with a few friendly alternatives.
Exploring the “Look-Alikes”
Oleander has a few close relatives and look-alikes that can give you that same lush, floral aesthetic. If you’re looking for a plant with a similar growth habit or flower shape, you might want to check out:
- Yellow Oleander (The Tropical Cousin)
- Plumeria (Frangipani)
- Desert Rose
- Crown of Thorns
The Tropical Relatives: Yellow Oleander and Plumeria
The Yellow Oleander (also known as Lucky Nut) hails from tropical regions. Unlike the standard oleander, this beauty can actually spend its winter right in your warm living room. While the flowers look familiar, they come in a bright, sunny yellow, and the leaves are generally narrower and a lighter shade of green.
Then there’s the Plumeria. If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, you know this one! It’s famous for those incredibly fragrant, multicolored blooms. It definitely brings that tropical “wow” factor to any patio.
The Desert Rose
The Desert Rose (Adenium) is a stunning member of the dogbane family. It’s famous for its striking, trumpet-shaped flowers and its thick, sculptural trunk. The biggest difference in care? These guys are succulents. They store water in their stems, which means they’re much more forgiving if you forget to water them for a while compared to a thirsty oleander.
The Crown of Thorns
Another succulent relative is the Crown of Thorns. It’s a hardy choice that works well as an alternative, but a word of caution: just like the oleander, this plant is toxic. It also has sharp thorns, so it’s definitely not the best pick if you have curious toddlers or pets running around.
Non-Toxic Alternatives for a Worry-Free Garden
Since many of the plants mentioned above are still toxic, you might be looking for something completely safe. If you have kids or furry friends, I highly recommend looking into Weigela or Camellias.
Both of these shrubs offer beautiful blooms and a growth habit similar to oleander, but with one huge advantage: they are non-toxic. You get all the beauty of a flowering shrub without the stress of having a poisonous plant in your backyard!