Plumeria rubra

Common Names

Frangipani, Plumeria, Temple Tree, Pagoda Tree, Red Frangipani, Red Paucipan, Common Frangipani, Jasmine Mango, Nosegay, Red Jasmine, Temple Flower, West Indian Jasmine

Summary

Frangipani, a tropical tree native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Venezuela, features large, leathery leaves and intensely fragrant five-petaled blossoms in white, pink, yellow, and red; it grows with an umbrella- or vase-shaped crown and clusters at branch tips, with a milky sap that can irritate the skin.

Culture favors full sun to part shade on well-drained soil; drought- and salt-tolerant but frost-sensitive, it suits gardens, patios, and containers in warm climates; propagate by cuttings or seeds, with moderate watering during growth and pruning to develop strong structure; uses include leis, perfumes, and plantings in temples and cemeteries; watch for pests such as scales, plumeria caterpillar, and nematodes, and avoid poorly drained soils to prevent root rot; sap can irritate skin.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

20-25 feet

Spread

20-25 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10B-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun, ranges from Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining, light, porous soil with pH 6.0–7.0; use a mix of garden soil with equal parts coarse sand and peat or compost, and add perlite, vermiculite, or gravel to improve drainage.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Bloom Color

Pink, white, yellow, red

Bloom Time

Spring to Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green, Red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow; 10–20 years to reach full size.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings, Grafting

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts other pollinators