How to grow plumeria (frangipani)

Best known as frangipani and beloved for the incredibly rich and exotic perfume of its flowers, Plumeria is a frost-tender shrub that needs a warm growing environment as it originates from tropical and subtropical regions including the Far East, Africa and the Pacific.

Plumeria has strong traditional associations with Hawaii, where the flowers are used to make leis, or garlands, given to visitors as a token of friendship. In Indonesia it’s called bunga kamboja or the graveyard flower, as it’s often planted in graveyards.

Frangipani flowers come in a wide range of colours from yellow, red, pink and mauve, as well as white, plus many spectacular bi-colours. Large blooms are borne on fleshy, succulent stems in summer and autumn. Plumeria is harmful to humans and pets if eaten, and the sap is a skin and eye irritant.

Where to grow Plumeria

Plumeria is not suitable for growing outside in the UK, but it makes an excellent house plant and works well in conservatories. Choose a well-lit position with a minimum temperature of 10°C. You may need to move it out of colder conservatories in winter. Given an unrestricted root run in a conservatory or greenhouse border, plants may attain several metres in height, but a container will restrict the ultimate plant size.

When to plant Plumeria

Plumeria can be repotted in February or March every other year. If you're planting Plumeria in a conservatory or greenhouse border, make sure temperatures remain above 15^oC throughout the year.

How to plant Plumeria

Plumeria grows best in a good-sized, sturdy pot, using soil-based compost such as John Innes no 2 with added coarse grit or perlite to ensure sharp drainage. Ensure the rootball sits at the same level it was in its original pot, firm gently and water well, allowing the water to drain completely.

How to care for Plumeria

Water sparingly for the best results. While in growth from spring to autumn, water only as required to keep the compost moist and take care not to overwater. Feed once a month with a general liquid fertilizer. In winter, reduce watering to almost nothing, allowing the compost to almost dry out. Don't feed Plumeria over the winter.

How to propagate Plumeria

Take frangipani cuttings in spring. Using secateurs, cut 10-15cm length cuttings from the stem tips, removing all but the leaves at the top of the cutting. Allow the base of each stem to dry for a couple of days before placing in pots of seed compost, mixed with a third of vermiculite to aid drainage. Water the cuttings and allow to drain, then place in a propagator with bottom heat. Keep compost on the dry side to avoid rotting and new growth should appear once the cuttings root in a month or two.

How to prune Plumeria

Prune Plumeria as little as possible and only if necessary to restrict growth or trim straggly shoots. Carry out any pruning in early spring.

Pests and diseases

Stem rot may occur if the plant has had too much water. Take care to water sparingly. Ensure the pot drains freely and the rootball doesn’t sit in water.

Red spider mites may be a problem, especially where the atmosphere is dry. Improve levels of humidity to deter this pest by standing the pot in a pebble- and water-filled saucer so the pot is clear of the water.

Frequently asked questions

What is the English name for Plumeria flower?

The English name for Plumeria is frangipani.

What does Plumeria smell like?

Plumeria flowers are strongly scented, especially at night, with a sweet, tropical fragrance. Plumeria rubra has particularly fragrant flowers.