Does it need full sun?

Yes, it thrives best with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Can I grow it indoors?

It can grow indoors if placed in a very bright, sunny window and kept warm.

Plant guide

Singapore graveyard flower.

Plumeria obtusa

Pronounced ploo-MEER-ee-uh ob-TOO-suh

Also known as Singapore Graveyard Flower, Singapore white frangipani, Singapore white plumeria, White Frangipani, great white frangipani

The Singapore graveyard flower is a beautiful, fragrant shrub known for its waxy, white blossoms and deep green foliage. It thrives in warm climates and is often planted in gardens for its sweet scent. You will love how its tropical charm brightens up any sunny spot.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Shrub
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 15 to 25 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Spring to fall

Care

Give this plant plenty of sunshine to encourage consistent blooming throughout the year. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the soil is staying too wet for too long. Keep it in a well-draining spot to prevent root rot and ensure it stays happy.

Watering: Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Feeding: Use a high-phosphorus fertilizer during the growing season to support flower production.
Pruning: Prune in late winter to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound, as they prefer a slightly snug container.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 15 to 35°C
Humidity: 50 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, can live for many decades with proper care.
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in
Stunted growth during the active season

Safety

People: The milky sap is a skin irritant and can cause severe discomfort if it contacts the eyes or mouth.
Pets: The milky sap is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested or if it contacts their skin.
Children: Keep this plant away from children as the sap is highly irritating and the plant is toxic if chewed or swallowed.
Contact allergens: The milky latex sap can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There is no significant evidence that this plant causes respiratory allergies.
Edibility: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and should not be consumed.

How to identify it

Glossy, dark green obovate leaves
Fragrant, five-petaled white flowers
Yellow centers on each bloom
Thick, succulent-like branches
Milky white sap inside stems

Height: 1.5 to 4.5m
Spread: 1.5 to 3m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: white, yellow, 5 to 8cm
Fruit: brown, rarely produced in cultivation

Problems to watch for

Plumeria RustCommon
Spider MitesCommon
MealybugsUncommon
Root RotUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon
Sooty MoldUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Move the plant indoors before temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius. Reduce watering significantly during the winter months to allow the plant to rest.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 30 centimeters wide.

Stem Cuttings

Cut a healthy branch tip about 30 centimeters long.
Allow the cut end to callus over in a dry, shaded spot for one week.
Plant the cutting in a well draining potting mix.
Keep the soil slightly moist and provide bright, indirect light until roots form.

Group plants with similar water needs to avoid overwatering your plumeria during its rest period.

Grows well with

Lantana · They share similar requirements for heat and full sun.
Hibiscus · Both plants provide a classic tropical aesthetic in the landscape.

Similar species

Common Plumeria · It has a wider range of flower colors but is deciduous.

Science

Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Plumeria
Order: Gentianales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Caribbean and Central America
Conservation: This species is not currently listed as endangered or threatened in its native range.

It grows in well drained tropical soils where it can access consistent warmth and light.

Value to wildlife: fragrant flowers that attract sphinx moths
Pollinators: moths, bees
Uses: ornamental shrub, container specimen, fragrant garden plant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 3/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 9/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: Yes, it thrives best with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Can I grow it indoors?: It can grow indoors if placed in a very bright, sunny window and kept warm.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors the French botanist Charles Plumier, while the species name obtusa refers to the blunt or rounded tips of the leaves.

Good to know

It is often called the Singapore Plumeria because of its popularity in that city.
The flowers are commonly used to make leis in tropical regions.
It is a very popular choice for tropical container gardening.
The scent is often described as a mix of jasmine and gardenia.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.