How to Plant Plumeria

Although mostly found in the tropics, plumeria is a favorite in North America also. The fragrant flowers grow from 2 to 4 inches in diameter and add a burst of color in pinks, reds, yellows and white. Plumeria is great for flower gardens and containers alike, and work well in cut flower bouquets and arrangements. These hardy plants need little care and come in more than 200 varieties that can reach heights of 6 to 30 feet if left unattended. This is a great plant for summer color in your garden because the flowers bloom from early summer through the fall. Only a few simple steps are needed for planting and after that this is an easy plant to grow, making it ideal for new gardeners.

Things You'll Need

• Plumeria plants Compost Potting soil High phosphorous fertilizer

Instructions

1. Prepare your garden area after chance of frost. Till the ground and amend the soil with compost. Choose an area that gets full sun with only light shade in the afternoon.

2. Dig a hole only as deep as the root ball and about two to three times as wide. If planting more than one plant, space about 10 to 20 feet apart depending on the size of the mature plant.

3. Set the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the ground surface. Fill in halfway with soil; water thoroughly. This helps the soil settle and reduces any air pockets that may form. Fill the hole in rest of the way; pack soil down with hands.

4. Water well after planting. This plant requires only about 1 inch of water weekly. Do not overwater or the roots will rot.

5. Add a high phosphorous liquid fertilizer once a month. Spread a thin layer of bark or mulch around the base of the plant to help control the weeds and keep ground moist.

References

• Aloha Tropicals
• Plant Guide for Plumeria