watch how to grow plumeria , a tropic tree and shrub beloved for its touchy , fragrant flowers .
Denny Schrock
Many people know genus Plumeria for its fragrant flowers , which are magnificently used in Hawaiian leis . A tropical tree diagram or bush , plumeria ( also called frangipani ) likes it hot and humid year - round . It can grow outdoors inUSDA Zones 10 - 11 , which includes Hawaii , some surface area in Florida , and Southern California . While it wo n’t live on year - troll elsewhere , gardeners in cold climates can enjoy its tropical foliage and soft , five - petaled flowers . Here is what you require to know about growing plumeria wherever you live on .
Credit:Denny Schrock
Where to Plant Plumeria
Plumeria is mildly toxic to humans and darling , so keep the plant out of reach of singular children and fellow traveller animals .
In USDA Zones 10–11 , plant Plumiera outside . Select an orbit with sizeable space for plumerias to grow magniloquent and all-inclusive in a location that encounter full Lord’s Day . Do n’t plant them next to a home or construction ; they spread up to 25 foot wide .
In colder part ( most of the United States ) , farm plumeria in container , contribute them inside during the cold calendar month and overwinter them in an area that is at least 40 ° atomic number 9 . Water infrequently , but do n’t let the filth get totally ironical . The plant go dormant during this clock time , and its foliage descend off . When the weather condition warm up up in give , relocate the plumeria out of doors , and it will lead off to thrive again .
How and When to Plant Plumeria
Plumerias can be planted in early spring , summer , or early fall . take an area in full Lord’s Day with well - draining soil ( oramend the ground with compost ) . Dig a hole the same depth and slightly wider than the flora ’s nursery container . Carefully remove the genus Plumeria and set it in the kettle of fish at the same deepness it was in the container . Backfill the hole with soil and water deeply , pressing down lightly with your hands to take out any air pouch .
In region of the United States that experience stale spells , frosts , or freeze temperatures , maturate Plumiera in large , well - draining container that can be strike to a sheltered , warm location for the winter . satiate the container withequal parts potting soil and perlite .
Plumeria Care Tips
Plumerias are easy to raise when their basic requirements are met — mass of sun , a hot and humid climate , and no exposure to ice or cold .
Light
Plumeria trees thrive infull sun , although they can treat fond shadiness . Place them in an area that receives at least six hour of sunlight day by day .
Soil and Water
Plumeria tree bask rich , loamy grunge , but they are adaptable and can manage most soil eccentric as long as they are well - draining . The idealistic soilpH is 6.5 - 7.0 .
Most plants need around 1 inch of water a week , and genus Plumeria is no elision . They typically involve more than 1 in of piss when mature in full sunlight . Water deeplyand tolerate the soil to dry before giving the works another drunkenness . Plumeria plants that appease outside during the abeyant period in winter should n’t be watered . If you move them inside during their quiescency , check the soil for moisture every duet of weeks before water them . Typically , they do n’t require water while dormant , but checking the grime occasionally is near ; it should n’t be too ironic or moist .
Temperature and Humidity
Plumerias arise in raging , humid region and thrive in tropic mood . If you want to grow Plumeria but live in an area with frigid magic spell or freeze temperature , you ’ll need to grow your Plumiera in a large pot so you could move it inside during the cold month .
Fertilizer
When a Plumiera is established and develop in nutrient - rich , well - drain soil , fertilizer is n’t necessary . If you grow genus Plumeria in a container , fecundate monthly with ahigh - atomic number 15 fertilizer .
Pruning
You do n’t need to trim a plumeria . However , if you desire to shape your plumeria or prefer to mature it as a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with a main automobile trunk or else of a dense bush , pruning is good .
Be aware that blossom bloom at the offset tips . When the industrial plant is geld back too much , flower are scarce the following year .
Pests and Problems
When growing plumerias , you do n’t have to worry much about pesterer . Sometimes , mealybugs , spider mites , or white fliesmight take up residence in a plumeria . Check the tree and depend at the teetotum and undersides of the leaves to prevent or stop an infestation before it get down out of control . Insecticidal max orneem oilis an effective method to take on small or large infestations . now and then , plumerias can be nark by fungal disease , include dark tip fungus , leafage blot , and rusting .
How to Propagate Plumeria
Plumeria is easy to spread from stem film editing in the spring .
Propagated plumerias take up to three years to produce blooming , so do n’t be discouraged . exert the same piddle and fertilizing docket as you use with mature plumerias .
Types of Plumeria
White Plumeria
White plumeria(Plumeria alba)is a indigen of Puerto Rico . This plant has white blooms with sensationalistic centre . When grown in its favored atmospheric condition — lots of sunlight , tropical climate , and alimentary - rich soil — it can reach up to 25 feet tall .
Singapore Plumeria
Singapore plumeria(Plumeria obtusa)is covered inblooms from saltation to settle . The 3 - inch bloodless flowers have icteric throat and round flower petal that counterpoint with the flora ’s shiny evergreen farewell . It typically grows 10 to 15 metrical unit tall .
Bridal Bouquet Plumeria
nuptial redolence plumeria(Plumeria pudica)is a tight - growing tree that grows 10 to 15 fundament tall . This variety continually produces prominent cluster of white flower except during wintertime . The flush contrast attractively with the spoonful - shaped , evergreen plant foliage .
‘Thornton Raspberry’ Plumeria
Part of a series , this cultivar feature sweet - smelling , shining pink flower squelch with clean that are over 3 in . It is a reliable bloomer and set up seed seedcase , make it easy to propagate .
‘Aztec Gold’ Plumeria
The deep golden flush of the ‘ Aztec Gold ’ Plumiera are irresistible , as is its sweet scent , which some gardener say reminds them of sweetheart . The tree rise 1 to 2 feet per year , finally reaching around 20 feet tall .
Plumeria Companion Plants
The best plumeria companion plants enjoy red-hot weather .
Purple Fountain Grass
empurpled fountain grass(Pennisetum setaceum‘Rubrum ’ ) thrives in hot , cheery spots , take in it a good associate for plumeria . ‘ Rubrum ’ makes mounds of purplish - red leaves . Its upright loss stems carry curve 1 - foot - long , pinkish - to - ruby - majestic panicle of spikelets from midsummer through fall . It is usually grown as an annual , but it is a perennial in Zones 8–11 .
Firestick Plant
Firestick plant(Euphorbia tirucalli‘Rosea ’ ) , also called ‘ Sticks on Fire , ’ is a tropic variety of euphorbia . It has leafless gullible stem that work icteric in summer and fervent shades of orangish , pink , and red in wintertime , giving it the similitude of flames . The more sunshine the plant encounter , the brighter the semblance become . It is often grown as an yearbook , but it is a repeated plant life in Zones 9 - 11 .
New Zealand Flax
New Zealand flax(Phormium tenax)is a downcast - maintenance plant that has no trouble with heat . bed for its striking foliage , New Zealand flax acquire in tumid clumps and arrive in several bold colors , including pinks , egg white , reds , and burgundies . This works grows as an annual or perennial in Zones 9 - 11 .
Frequently Asked Questions
alternatively , choose a commercial-grade potting ground formulated as a cactus mix . This pronto uncommitted option is excellent for plumerias , which postulate very well - enfeeble soil .
Plumerias can develop up to 25 foot magniloquent in nature , although the peak depend on the form and whether it grows as a small Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a shrub . In most home landscapes , they are usually no more than 10 - 15 feet tall . The size of plumerias in containers is tempt by the size of it of the container — the bigger the container , the larger the flora .
They typically bloom throughout the lovesome months and go inactive in the stale months . However , the actual blooming period vary depend on the cultivar .
Fangipani . Queensland Poisons Information Centre .
Plumeria . University of Florida / IFAS Extension
