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Plumeria, the Frangipani, also known as the Temple Trees
and Lei flower, is native to warm tropical areas of the
Pacific Islands, Caribbean, South America and Mexico. The
mixture I offer is harvested from pink, red, white and
yellow flowered hybrids. Plumeria are a true tropical
flowering tree. In the tropics it can grow to heights
over ten meters.
The tree is best known for its showy clusters of waxy
flowers produced over a long period in Summer. These
flowers are treasured by the Polynesian Islanders for
their durability, fragrances and colors of whites,
yellows, pinks, reds, and multiple pastels. Many will
bloom before developing leaves, others will not. Plumeria
flowers have five petals, although flowers with four, six,
seven or more petals are not uncommon. Some types of
flowers do not fully open and are referred to as shell,
semi-shell, or tulip like. Most flowers have a strong
pleasant fragrance that is most intense during the early
part of the day. There is absolutely nothing like the
sweet fragrance of Plumeria in flower, with fragrances of
jasmine, citrus, spices, gardenia, and other
indescribable scents. Flowering can last up to 3 months
at a time producing new blooms everyday. Once picked, a
bloom can last for several days without wilting if kept
in water.
Plumeria leaves are deciduous, green, large and shiny.
However, when examined closely, they can exhibit
remarkable color variation that is species and variety
dependent. The Plumeria branch tip is where new growth
including leaves and flowers occur. The branch and its
tip are interesting, since the tip is usually the same
diameter as the rest of the branch.
Hardiness zones 11, (4°C/40°F) in Winter. Since
Plumeria have a natural dormant period, this can
correspond very conveniently to an indoor storage period
during the Winter months. Before storage, the Plumeria
should be defoliated. The best technique for this is to
cut each and every leaf off the plant at a point about
one inch out from the stem. If you do not defoliate, the
leaves will yellow and fall off during storage, and
provide a good environment for pests and fungus.
In colder climates Plumeria should be grown in containers.
They make beautiful potted plants for the patio or
greenhouse. Store the Plumeria in a cool, dry, dark, and
ventilated area such as a garage or storage shed.
Temperatures should not be allowed to fall below freezing
in the storage area. By all means, if temperatures are
expected to Fall into the 30s°F, the plant should be
protected. Many varieties can be damaged or killed by
temperatures in the low 30s, even for a few hours. During
exceptionally cold periods, a small supplemental heater
may be required. During the Winter, Plumeria require very
little care. As soon as temperatures rise outdoors they
can be brought out. They will resume growth, leaf out and
begin to grow as if nothing happened. However, in milder
climates, Plumeria can be grown outdoors in the ground,
where they make a small beautiful landscape trees.
Plumeria can be grown in containers, in the ground, or in
containers sunk in the ground. For container planting use
a coarse, well draining potting soil, such as potting mix
with perlite and sand. Plumeria are heavy feeders and
will bloom and grow vigorously with an ample amount of
the proper foods. However, in order to discourage
excessive stem elongation and to promote flowering,
fertilizers low in nitrogen and high in phosphorous are
recommended. Plumerias should be fed in Spring when
growth begins, every 2 to 3 weeks through the end of
August. In the Fall, stop feeding and reduce water to
encourage the plant to go into its natural dormant period.
Grow them on in full light, with good ventilation in a
outside, in a greenhouse or even a sunny window. During
the months of active growth, ample sun, food and water
are essential. Healthy Plumeria will bloom regularly and
profusely when they receive at least 6 hours of full sun
per day.
Plumeria love lots of water, but cannot tolerate wet feet,
so they must be planted in fast draining soil or in beds
with adequate drainage. Water Plumerias deeply, let soil
dry out somewhat before watering again. Begin to reduce
the frequency of watering in mid-October, as the cool
season approaches. Water moderately at all times, but in
Winter, after the leaves have fallen, keep the plants
nearly dry until Spring when moderate rewatering can
commence. In Winter, a small monthly drink probably does
more good than harm.
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