Plumeria trees (also known as Frangipani or the Hawaiian lei flower) can be a gorgeous, unexpected addition to any spring and summer landscape, even here in North Texas. The beauty of the multicolored flowers and their subtle but lovely perfume add ambiance to any backyard patio space.
Not only are they a beautiful and unusual plant to cultivate, but plumeria are rich in symbolism. In folklore, plumeria signify love, devotion, purity of heart, good fortune and prosperity.
Although they are frequently associated with Hawaii, plumeria are not Hawaiian natives. Rather, the tree is native to Mexico, Central America, Southern India, and Venezuela. Because we are farther north than their natural habitat, plumeria trees kept by Texans generally fare best in pots. The trees can be kept small enough in stature to stay potted and brought in during our cold winter months.
Soil Preference
Plumeria best like a slightly acidic (pH 6.0 to 7.0), well-draining soil.
If you are fortunate enough to find a plumeria tree in a nursery now, place it in full sun and water it regularly when the top few inches of soil are dry. Plumeria require a full 6 to 8 hours of sun in order to bloom and require a lot of water but will not tolerate wet feet. As our temperatures progressively become hotter and our Texas sun more scorching in summer, be cautious about leaving your plumeria in full sun for 8 hours, as the leaves are easily burned and can become rather crispy. They will do just as well in 2 to 4 hours of the extreme Texas July and August sun.
Fertilizing Your Plumeria
You can find fertilizers specific to plumeria or use an all-purpose fertilizer with an N-P-K of 11-11-13 applied once or twice a month during the growing season.
Because plumeria will not tolerate temperatures below 40⁰, they will need to be taken indoors in North Texas winters. As we approach such temperatures, defoliate your plumeria. Be prepared for a slight mess as a milky white sap will emerge as you pluck leaves.
Plumeria naturally grow up to 25 feet tall, which may or may not be a feasible size for your indoor space. In the fall, you can decide whether your plumeria is small enough to fit in your indoor (greenhouse, garage, living room) area or whether you need to prune it. Each 12- to18-inch branch that you cut off can be dipped in rooting hormone (if you wish) and kept in soil over winter in the hopes of creating a new tree in the spring. Be sure to keep these cuttings indoors with your original plumeria during the winter months. Because I have a small garage space for plants, I cut mine back every fall and have plenty of cuttings to share with friends.
Plumeria will need very little (some argue zero) water during dormancy. I generally water mine about once a month while they are in the garage.
Spring Care
After our last average frost date, pull your plumeria back into an outdoor space where it will get 6 to 8 hours of full sun once again. Begin watering regularly, and soon enough you will be rewarded with beautiful, vibrant green oblong leaves and fragrant blossoms.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/growing-plumeria.htm
by Anne Nimblett, ECMG