Frangipani.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Deciduous 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

Late spring to early autumn

Care

Give your plant as much sun as possible to encourage blooming. Let the soil dry out significantly between waterings to prevent root rot. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the plant is getting too much water.

Watering

Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again.

Feeding

Use a high phosphorus fertilizer during the growing season to boost flower production.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood.

Repotting

Repot when the roots become crowded, typically every two to three years.

Soil

Well draining, sandy soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.0

Temperature

10 to 35°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Safety

People

The milky sap is toxic and can cause significant irritation if it contacts skin or eyes.

Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, as it contains compounds that can cause stomach upset.

Children

Keep this plant away from children as the sap is toxic and the stems can be brittle.

Contact allergens

The milky latex sap is a known skin irritant and can cause dermatitis.

Airborne allergens

The strong fragrance may trigger sensitivities in some individuals.

Edibility

All parts of the plant are considered toxic if ingested and should not be consumed.

How to identify it

• Thick, succulent like branches
• Fragrant, five petaled flowers
• Leathery, lance shaped leaves
• Milky white sap when cut

Height

2 to 6m

Spread

1.5 to 4m

Leaves

green, deciduous

Flowers

white, yellow, pink, red, 5 to 10cm

Fruit

brown, rarely produced in cultivation

Problems to watch for

• Plumeria RustCommon
• Root RotCommon
• Spider MitesCommon
• Leaf DropUncommon
• MealybugsUncommon
• Scale InsectsUncommon
• Sooty MoldUncommon

Growing it

Propagation

cuttings, seed

When to plant

spring, summer

Group with other sun loving tropicals that appreciate a dry winter rest.

Grows well with

• Lantana · They share similar requirements for high light and heat.
• Bougainvillea · Both thrive in full sun and well drained soils.

Similar species

• Singapore Plumeria · Features evergreen foliage and white flowers with yellow centers.

Science

Family

Apocynaceae

Genus

Plumeria

Order

Gentianales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Tropical Americas, from Mexico to South America.

Conservation

Not currently of conservation concern.

It is well adapted to dry tropical forests where it survives seasonal drought by shedding its leaves.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

moths, bees

Uses

ornamental, fragrance, container plant

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are my leaves falling off?

Plumeria is deciduous and will naturally drop its leaves during its dormant winter period.

How often should I water?

Water deeply when the soil is dry, but reduce watering significantly during the winter dormancy.

Where the name comes from

The genus is named after French botanist Charles Plumier, while the species name rubra refers to the red color of the flowers.

Good to know

• Plumeria is also known as Frangipani.
• The flowers are most fragrant at night to attract sphinx moths.
• It is a member of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae.
• Plants can survive for many decades with proper care.

Also in

• Plants toxic to cats and dogs