Cascabela thevetia: complete guide

The Cascabela thevetia, also known as bee-still tree or yellow oleander, is a stunning tropical plant originally from Mexico and South America. This evergreen shrub is renowned for its bright yellow flowers that can appear year-round in warm climates.

Originally from warmer regions of Mexico through South America, the bee-still tree is a popular choice for warm gardens and Mediterranean landscapes. The plant belongs to the Apocynaceae family, the same family as the oleander.

Appearance and Bloom The Cascabela thevetia grows as a dense shrub that can reach 3-5 meters in height. The foliage consists of narrow, lance-shaped leaves that remain on the plant year-round. The bright yellow trumpet-like flowers appear in clusters and have a pleasant fragrance. Interesting fruits form after flowering.

Ideal Location This plant thrives in full sun. At least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily is essential for optimal flowering. The plant is not frost-hardy and can only be grown outdoors in warm climates without freezing temperatures.

Soil and Drainage Well-draining soil is crucial. Use a mix of garden soil with added sand or perlite. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soil and will develop root rot with poor drainage. Soil with pH 6.0-7.0 is ideal.

Watering Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water regularly during the growing season, ensuring water drains well. In winter, water less frequently. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Pruning and Maintenance Prune the plant in early spring to maintain a compact shape. Remove dead branches and spent flowers. The plant responds well to pruning and will grow back denser.

Maintenance Calendar Spring: Clean up the plant, apply slow-release fertilizer Summer: Regulate watering, monitor for pests Fall: Prepare for cold periods Winter: Minimal maintenance, keep dry

Frost Hardiness The plant is very sensitive to frost. In climates with winter freezing, this can only be grown in containers brought indoors during winter. Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius can be damaging.

Companion Plants Perfect companions for this plant are other heat-loving plants such as Bougainvillea, Lantana, and Plumbago. Together these create a tropical atmosphere.

Closing Thoughts The Cascabela thevetia brings tropical flair to your garden with its bright yellow flowers. With the right sunny location and draining soil, you'll enjoy years of blooms. Available at local garden centers. Check gardenworld.app for more inspiration and design ideas. Also available in Dutch on gardenworld.app.