Scientific Name
Plumeria pudica Jacq.
Common Name(s)
Bridal Bouquet, Wild Plumeria, White Frangipani, Fiddle Leaf Plumeria, Hammer Leaf Frangipani, Everlasting Love
Synonym(s)
Plumeria caracasana, Plumeria cochleata
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Rauvolfioideae
Tribe: Plumerieae
Genus: Plumeria
Flower
Color: White
Bloom Time: Spring to fall
Description
Plumeria pudica is a fast-growing evergreen shrub with usually one or two slender trunks that branch close to the ground forming a dense, slightly spreading crown. Leaves are dark green and unique fiddle-shaped or spoon-shaped. Large clusters of bright white, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide flowers with small yellow centers cover this tree as a beautiful bouquet. The flowers are not fragrant.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Although you don't have to live in the tropics to grow Plumeria in the home garden, you should know its growing requirements beforehand.
Often grown in the garden as an ornamental shrub or small tree, Plumerias need to be grown in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. They also need at least 6 hours of full sun.
While the plants are fairly tolerant of salt and windy conditions, they are not tolerant of cold and must be protected. Therefore, they should be container grown in colder regions. In areas that may be warm most of the time but are still fairly prone to cold winters, the plant can be dug up and overwintered indoors. Alternatively, you can sink container-grown Plumerias in the ground, bringing them indoors once the temperatures begin to drop in fall. Then, once warmer temps return in spring, you can return the plants outdoors.
When growing Plumerias in pots, use a coarse, well-draining potting mix. A cactus mix or perlite and sand should be fine.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Plumeria.
Origin
This species is native to Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela.
Links
- Back to genus Plumeria
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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