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| Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae) |
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| Native to Mediterranean
region |
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Oleanders were used abundantly
in the gardens of the Enchanted Hill from the early
1920's. The Pergola driveway features Oleanders
specially trimmed into multi-trunked trees which
appear to grow from leafy vases. Norman Rotanzi
suggested this to Mr. Hearst before he left here
in 1947, and Norman recalled Mr. Hearst approving
this special treatment of the Oleanders from photographs
sent to him in Beverly Hills.
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| Evergreen
shrub or small tree to as much as 20 feet
high. Leaves are up to 12 inches long, narrow
and pointed, leathery, and dark green. Flowers
are 1.5-2.5 inches wide with five petals tilted
like pin-wheels. Clusters of flowers appear
from May through October. Some varieties have
fragrant flowers, and both single (5 petals
only) and double (ruffled) flowered varieties
are available. Flower color can range from
white to pink to salmon to red, and occasionally
to yellow. |
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| All
parts of the Oleander are poisonous. They
will flourish and bloom in the hottest arid
climates, but will not tolerate areas with
frequent frosts. The name "oleander"
refers to the leaves' resemblance to those
of the olive, while the genus name, "nerium,"
is the Greek name for oleander. |
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"Hearst Castle", "Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument", "La Cuesta Encantada",
and "The Enchanted Hill" are registered trademarks of Hearst Castle®/California State Parks.
©2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 California State Parks, All rights reserved.
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