Plumeria

Frangipanis (Plumerias) are plants that we normally associate with tropical islands like Hawaii. Actually they are native to many warm, tropical areas, including not only the Pacific Islands, but also the Caribbean, tropical South America, and Mexico. In such places, Plumeria can grow to 30 or 40 feet tall and about half as wide. Succulent branches bear clusters of leathery leaves near the tips of branches. During the summer, waxy, very fragrant clusters of flowers bloom in colors ranging from white, yellow, pink, and red, to multiple pastels.  

Interestingly, the intensely fragrant flowers of frangipani have no nectar, but their scent hoodwinks their unsuspecting pollinators. Since their fragrance is most pervasive at night, the flowers are inadvertently pollinated when the sphinx moths fly from flower to flower in their futile search for nectar.  

Growing Plumeria

Plumerias are tropical plants that will not survive freezing temperatures. However, they grow extremely well in pots and containers that can be moved to protected places during the winter. They can even be dug, the soil shaken off their roots, and then brought inside in their bare root condition and stacked in the corner of the garage or attic until next spring.

Plumerias will bloom throughout the summer if their basic needs are met. They should be given six to eight hours of bright sunlight daily. If this need is not met, plants grow toward the light and stalks tend to be thin and weak. Plants in shaded areas bloom very poorly, if at all.

Sufficient water is of utmost importance. With too little water, Plumeria goes into a state of dormancy. Flower stalks may be aborted if plants are drought stressed. On the other hand, the soil must be well drained or the roots will rot. A good soil that allows water to penetrate and drain quickly, yet holds some moisture, is optimal.

Plumerias need to be fertilized well in order to grow and bloom their best. Choose a fertilizer with a high middle number (phosphorus) to make flowers larger and more abundant. The fertilizer should have a low first number (nitrogen) to promote good foliage growth. However, don’t overdo the nitrogen, as too much will produce lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Likewise, the third number (potassium) is necessary to produce a strong plant, but this number, too should be lower than the second number on the fertilizer container.

Super Bloom and BR-61 are commercial products that have about the right concentrations of the three basic fertilizer elements. A host of other elements are needed in lesser amounts. Adding 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt per gallon of water with the regular fertilization program will add a bit of magnesium and give the plants a boost.

Like most plants, Plumerias benefit from a good layer of mulch around their feet. Mulch reduces water loss and also keeps disease-laden soil from splashing up on the trunks and causing diseases. Mulch also protects tender roots that might otherwise suffer from the heat that is often present near the surface of the soil.