Plumeria

Plumeria is part of the Apocynaceae family of plants. The genus is named after a French botanist Charles Plumier. Plumeria is also known as Frangipani. Plumeria is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Florida.

This flower is sacred in South East Asia. They use these flowers to make leis in the Pacific islands. In Nicaragua species, Plumeria rubra is their national flower whereas in Laos species Plumeria alba.

How to grow Plumerias:

Plumerias are easy to grow. If you live somewhere cold then grow them in containers. Grow them in the sun as they need at least six hours of sunlight. They need well-drained soil regular watering and once a week feeding. You can have beautiful blooming plants every year. They don’t like to be soggy but thrive when watered deeply.

Contrary to what you might have heard they are very easy to take care of and provide a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrance. They are most fragrant at night and this is by nature as they need to attract Sphinx Moths to pollinate them. They tolerate salt and windy conditions.

Plumerias are deciduous and lose their leaves in winter they will grow leaves again when night temperature remains above 50 degrees. If you live in freezing and frost areas then you keep you plumerias safe indoors. (no light necessary). Move them out when the temperature returns to warmer nights.

Propagate by cuttings, use leafless stem tips in spring. You should let the base of the cutting to dry before planting it as they are susceptible to rot.