Nerium oleander ‘Albo Pleno’

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘The more we consider the varieties of Nerium oleander and odorum, the more difficulty we find in distinguishing the species, and we are inclined to think that after all perhaps Linnaeus was right in considering these plants as mere varieties.  [BM t.2032/1818 as Nerium odorum carneum].  First cultivated ‘in the Chelsea Physic garden in 1683; but had either become very rare or been entirely lost.’  It had apparently been re-introduced from France around 1815.  [BR f.74/1815].  ‘First distinguished as a species by Dr. Solander, in the Hortus Kewensis; and as such has since been generally considered.  Introduced into the Dutch Gardens about the year 1680, by Beveringius, and very soon after cultivated in the Chelsea Garden. […] Both species of Oleander are allowed on all hands to be poisonous to men and cattle; fortunately the taste and smell of the bruised leaves is sufficient to prevent any injury to the former, but the latter are said to have been sometimes killed by browsing upon it.  Externally they may be advantageously applied to the cure of some cutaneous diseases.’  A deep pink double form is figured.  [BM t.1799/1816].  

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [T.699/1843].  William Macarthur described albo plena as a ‘double or semi-double of distinct species from the others and much more tender in respect of cold.’ 

Notes

Many early authors considered Nerium odorum Ait. to be a separate species.