Originally posted by paulh Yes. We have a couple large plants in the backyard, and they seem to thrive here in SoCal. I do see bees and butterflies near them, but not the nasty critters you referred to. As you mentioned, they used to be a common sight along the roadsides and medians, but not so much these days for obvious reasons. But they provide me with a quick and easy photo subject!
Indeed, they're beautiful and so fragrant! But beware of them. The caterpillars are poisonous, too, because they eat oleander. The jury's out on whether or not they actually sting...my recollection from childhood is that they do, others say they don't. The shrubs are no longer as common here as they once were. I still see them here and there, occasionally, mainly in older neighborhoods. They grow well here, too, but hardly anybody plants them nowadays. Too risky for kids and pets, and turistas. Not sure I've seen any in nurseries and garden centers, now that I think about it. I have a vague recollection of seeing warning signs in front of public-space oleander plantings, long ago. Sort of "look and sniff but don't touch", or something to that effect. Enjoy them, nevertheless!