What Is the Difference Between the Plants Viburnum & Oleander?
- Taxonomy is a fancy word for the scientific system of naming plants. Scientifically, viburnum and oleander constitute very different plants. The Viburnum genus belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family, or honeysuckle, and the order Dipsacales. Dozens of species and hybrids belong to the genus. The oleander genus, called Nerium, belongs to the Apocynaceae, or dogbane, family and the Gentianales order. Only a few species belong to this genus. Despite their similarities, a wide genetic divide exists between viburnum and oleander.
- Viburnum and oleander exhibit a crucial difference regarding the common classification of the plants. The common name oleander applies to only one species of the oleander genus, Nerium oleander. The common name viburnum, on the other hand, applies to all species belonging to the Viburnum genus. Thus while "viburnum" may constitute any one of a large number of plants ranging from nannyberry to squashberry, arrowwood and black haw, "oleander" applies only to a single species of shrub and the many cultivars of that species.
- Oleander and its cultivars generally range in size from 8 to 12 feet, though they may grow as tall as 20 feet or as short as 3 feet. Viburnum species and cultivars exhibit a slightly more extended growth range. Specimens reach heights ranging from 2 to 30 feet. Viburnum species grow prominent, ornamental berries and a dense mass of glossy, lustrous foliage. Oleander, on the other hand, produces no fruit. Furthermore, oleander foliage grows in a looser pattern than that of viburnum and lacks the sheen of viburnum leaves. Oleander and viburnum both display flowers in clusters, though oleander clusters contain fewer and larger flowers.
- Viburnum expresses hardiness in colder weather. while oleander foliage experience damage at temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, viburnum species and cultivars begin experiencing damage when temperatures dip below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Extended periods of cold or multiple frosts may kill both plants, particularly oleander. Species of viburnum prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Oleander, on the other hand, tolerates slightly acidic and moderately alkaline soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 8.3 and higher. Viburnum species are native to various regions throughout North America and Asia. Oleander, on the other hand, comes from Africa, eastern regions of the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia.
