Plumeria plants, also known as Lei Flowers and Frangipani, are actually small trees native to tropical regions. The flowers of these beautiful plants are used in making traditional Hawaiian leis. They are highly fragrant and bloom freely from spring throughout fall in multiple colors like white, yellow, pink, and red. These flowers stand out nicely amid the large-leaved foliage, which may be evergreen or deciduous, depending on the type.
Although you don't have to live in the tropics to grow Plumeria in the home garden, you should know its growing requirements beforehand.
Growing Conditions and General Care
Often grown in the garden as an ornamental shrub or small tree, Plumeria plants need to be grown in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. They also need at least six hours of full sun.
While the plants are fairly tolerant of salt and windy conditions, they're not tolerant of cold and must be protected. Therefore, they should be container grown in colder regions. The plant can be dug up and overwintered indoors in areas that may be warm most of the time but is still fairly prone to cold winters. Alternatively, you can sink container-grown Plumerias in the ground, bringing them indoors in fall once the temperatures begin to drop. Then, once warmer temps return in spring, you can return the plants outdoors.
When growing Plumeria plants in pots, use a coarse, well-draining potting mix. A cactus mix or perlite and sand should be fine.
Plumeria care, for the most part, is minimal. While Plumerias don't like wet feet, they should be watered deeply when irrigated and then allowed to dry out some before watering again. They also need to be fertilized about every two to three weeks throughout their active growing season. Reduce watering in mid-fall and stop completely once the plants enter dormancy in winter. Resume regular watering as new growth appears in spring. A high phosphate (phosphorus) fertilizer, like 10-30-10, will help encourage blooms. However, giving them too much nitrogen will only result in more foliage growth and less flowering.
Pruning
Plumerias may be pruned as needed (up to 12 inches from the ground) in late winter or early spring (before new growth); however, any drastic or hard pruning may reduce flowering.
Propagation
These plants can also be propagated by seeds or cuttings in spring, with cuttings being the easiest and most preferred method. Insert cuttings about 2 inches in potting mix and water thoroughly.
Source: gardeningknowhow.com
Links
- Back to genus Plumeria
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin