Plumeria

Plumeria sp.

Characteristics

Culture

Plumeria is winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-12 where plants are best grown in rich, dry to medium moisture, well-drained loams in full sun. Tolerates some light shade. Avoid wet soils. Plants are deciduous. They lose their leaves and stop blooming during winter/dry season. In cooler climates, plants may be grown in containers with a well-drained sandy potting mix. Container plants must be overwintered indoors with reduced temperatures (50-55 degrees F.) and significantly reduced watering. Easily propagated from stem cuttings.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Plumeria, commonly called frangipani or nosegay, is a small rounded deciduous tree of the dogbane family that grows in a vase-shape to 15-25′ tall. It features fragrant flowers with yellow centers. Upright branches are thick but weak, and have a milky sap. This species is native to Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles, but has been introduced into a number of tropical areas around the world. Very fragrant 5-petaled flowers (to 3″ wide) bloom in terminal clusters at the branch tips from spring to fall. Flowers are with yellow centers. Oblong-lanceolate green leaves (to 12″ long) are spirally clustered at the stem ends. Fruits are cylindrical pods (to 8″) that are rarely formed in cultivation.  Plumeria flowers (particularly those of Plumeria rubra) are used to make leis and a scented oil in a number of Pacific islands including Hawaii.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot may occur in overly moist soils.

Garden Uses

Tropical specimen for frost free areas. Effective near decks and patios or the front porch. For areas North of USDA Zone 10, it must be grown in containers which are overwintered indoors.