Liganders

Liganders are evergreen shrubs most often referring to Nerium oleander, an ornamental plant in the Apocynaceae family. Native to the Mediterranean region and parts of western Asia, oleander is now widely cultivated in warm climates around the world for its dense foliage and prominent flower clusters.

Description and features: Oleander grows as a shrub or small tree, typically 2–6 meters tall. Leaves are glossy, lanceolate, and arranged in whorls of three. From late spring to autumn, oleander produces large terminal panicles of flowers in colors such as pink, red, white, and yellow. The plant is known for its drought tolerance and ability to form dense hedges or screens.

Distribution and cultivation: Oleander is grown globally in suitable climates, including coastal and inland regions, parks, streetscapes, and private gardens. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is relatively maintenance-light but can become invasive in some environments when planted in hedges or large beds. In cooler regions, it is often grown as a container plant or wintered indoors.

Toxicity and safety: All parts of Nerium oleander are highly toxic if ingested and can be fatal to humans and animals. Sap exposure can irritate the skin for some individuals. Pruning should be done with gloves, and plants should be kept away from children and pets.

Notes: The term ligander may appear in some older or regional texts as a name for oleander, and in other contexts it can appear as a misattribution to different hedge plants. In contemporary horticulture, oleander remains the primary plant associated with the name ligander.