How to Grow a Plumeria

Plumeria is a tropical flowering shrub. To say that plumeria is a merely a shrub is the same as saying Anna Pavlova was only a dancer. The clusters of fragrant flowers, also known as Frangipani, are used to make leis in Hawaii. One sniff will make you think you are in heaven. Plumeria is fairly easy to grow outdoors in temperate climates and can be grown in containers elsewhere.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pruning Shears
• compost and lava rock
• insecticidal soap and horticultural oil (as needed)
• slow release fertilizer (Osmocote)

1. Select a hot, dry location to plant plumeria. These plants thrive in full sun, and will tolerate partial shade in only the hottest climates.

2. Plant plumeria in fast draining soil. These plants are not fussy about soil conditions, but will not live in wet, cold soils. If your existing soil is clay, amend with organic compost and crushed lava rock.

3. Prune plumeria any time of year to retain shape and keep plants compact. Plumeria will withstand even the most severe pruning if done during the warm season.

4. Use a slow release type fertilizer to provide a continuous source of nutrients to the plant to keep blooms plentiful.

5. Water plumeria when the top two inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Moderate water is the key to success - not too much, not too little.

6. Watch for scale insects on the undersides of the leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap and horticultural oil if found.

7. Plant plumeria in containers in cold winter climates. Move indoors to a sunny, south facing window when temperatures drop below 65 degrees. Plants can be over wintered in a sheltered garage, but will not continue blooming if temperatures drop below the comfort zone.

Tips & Warnings

• Plants with thick waxy leaves, such as plumeria, can withstand more heat and wind than plants with delicate foliage.

• Plumeria must be protected from frost. The fleshy stems will turn to mush at the first sign of freezing temperatures.