Cascabela thevetia is native to the West Indies, Mexico, and Central and South America, where it grows as a small tree reaching 20 to 30 feet in warm, humid conditions. In North American gardens it is most commonly met as a container shrub, grown for its continuous succession of large, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers against a background of narrow, glossy evergreen leaves. The genus name references the small-bell shape of the flower; the species name honors a 16th-century French friar who traveled the tropics and brought botanical curiosity home with him.

In zone 8 and warmer it can be planted out as a flowering hedge, a small specimen tree, or a low foundation shrub. In cooler climates, treat it as a container plant and overwinter it in a cool, moderately lit space — a basement or cool sunroom with reduced watering suits it well. It thrives in full sun to part shade with rich, sandy, well-drained soil, and its low water use makes it a natural for drought-tolerant patios and poolside plantings. Deadhead spent blooms promptly to keep the plant tidy and producing. All parts of yellow oleander are poisonous if ingested, the sap causes skin irritation in sensitive people, and smoke from burning material is toxic. It is a plant that rewards careful placement and attentive management.