Frangipani: Care for the Intensely Fragrant Tropical Tree
Flowers

Frangipani: Care for the Intensely Fragrant Tropical Tree

Plumeria rubra

Growing Plumeria or frangipani: small tropical tree with intensely fragrant flowers, symbol of Hawaii. Full sun and warmth.

Characteristics

Scientific namePlumeria rubra
Height300-800 cm
Sunlightpieno sole
Watermedia
Soildrenante leggero
Toxicitylievemente tossica
Growthmedia
Temperature15-35 °C
FloweringMay, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
IrrigationWater twice a week in summer, almost stop in winter during the dormancy period.

Plumeria, also known as frangipani, is a small tropical tree famous for its five-petalled flowers in white, pink or yellow, with an intoxicating fragrance used in perfumery and Hawaiian leis. It grows in full sun on light well-drained soil and needs constant warmth above 15 °C, so it must be sheltered in winter.

Flowering season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Practical tips

Watering

Water needs: media — always check soil moisture before watering.

Position

Prefers pieno sole: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.

Substrate

Recommended soil: drenante leggero. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.

Leaves

Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.

FAQ

Can Plumeria overwinter outdoors?
Only in the warmest coastal Mediterranean regions: it tolerates down to 5 °C but below that must move to a cold greenhouse or bright room. It drops leaves in winter going into dormancy.
How do you propagate Plumeria?
By 30-40 cm semi-woody cuttings taken in spring: let the cut callus for 1 week and plant in moist sand. Roots in 2-3 months.

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