Maureen Gilmer
Family
Apocynaceae
Botanical Name
PLUMERIA
Plant Common Name
Frangipani
General Description
The showy, delightfully fragrant flowers of these tropical American trees and shrubs are often seen in greenhouses, warm-climate gardens, and Hawaiian leis. The large, waxy, funnel-shaped flowers have broadly flaring white, yellow, pink, or red lobes and contrasting yellow or white throats. Bloom occurs mainly in summer and fall, but also sporadically at other seasons. Long pods containing plumed seeds follow the flowers. The thick fleshy branches and stems are weak and prone to breakage. Their fragile bark exudes sticky caustic white sap when cut or broken. The large leathery leaves occur primarily at the branch tips and are shed in winter, the time of the tropical dry season. Most commonly grown is Plumeria rubra, a sprawling, sparsely branched tree or shrub with pink or red yellow-eyed flowers. Plumeria pudica, the bridal veil frangipani, produces white flowers and has an upright shape.
Plant plumerias in frost-free gardens; elsewhere grow them under cover. They prefer rich well-drained soil and regular watering while in leaf. Full sun or high shifting shade is best for growth and flowering. They need several hours of bright light a day for flowering. Use these tender plants as an accent, patio, or greenhouse tree, or in a large container wintered indoors.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 12, 13, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
10'-25' / 3.0m - 7.6m
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Width
10'-25' / 3.0m - 7.6m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean, Caribbean, Central America, South America
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Yellow, Purple, Gold, Pink, Rose, Coral, Lavender
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Brown, Chocolate, Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green, Burgundy
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
