CHARLES REYNOLDS: Plumeria trees need little care

Plumeria trees — also called frangipani — aren’t recommended for non-coastal gardens in Central Florida due to the plants’ susceptibility to low temperatures. On the other hand, I walk past a 25-foot-tall frangipani every day here in Winter Haven. Depending on the botanist, anywhere from 12 to 45 species of Plumeria are recognized, and they range from Mexico and the Caribbean, south to Brazil.

Despite their Tropical American origins, Plumerias have inexplicably been known in Southeast Asia for centuries and have naturalized there. That’s why one of the best — Plumeria obtusa — is sometimes called Singapore plumeria, though it’s native to Colombia. Among the smaller Plumerias, the Singapore grows 6 to 15 feet tall in sun on sandy sites. Like most of the clan, its flowers — used in Hawaiian leis — are fragrant, but (unlike some others), the aroma isn’t reminiscent of suntan lotion, peaches or buttered popcorn. Singapore plumeria’s white, yellow-centered blossoms appear in clusters throughout the warm season. In addition to its beauty and manageable size, this Plumeria is one of few that are largely evergreen during mild winters.

Another white-flowered, evergreen or semi-evergreen Plumeria is P. pudica, easily distinguished by its lobed leaves. Less fragrant than most frangipanis, P. pudica — native from Panama to Colombia — is a fast-growing species up to 25 feet tall and wide. It bears white, funnel-shaped flowers from early spring to late autumn.

A word of caution here: Plumerias — with flowers pollinated at night by sphinx moths — present a nomenclatural muddle. These plants hybridize freely — indeed, promiscuously — so that many specimens sold have a murky ancestry. One species, P. rubra, whose own background is obscure, is believed to be part of most hybrids’ parentage.

Established Plumerias need little care. If provided with sandy, freely draining soil and at least six hours of sun daily, they’ll get by largely on their own. Fertilizer — if provided — should be applied after new foliage appears in spring. Use a low-nitrogen formula to discourage leafiness at the expense of flowers. Plumerias are native to seasonally dry, tropical seacoasts with alkaline soil. They should not, therefore, be irrigated during winter or planted on organically enriched sites. Mulching is also counterproductive.

Plumeria propagation is done by cuttings (the sap can be irritating) that are dried for several days, or even for weeks, before they’re stuck in a 50-50 mix of perlite and potting soil formulated for succulents. Plants and cuttings are available online.

Charles Reynolds, a Winter Haven resident, has an associate’s degree in horticulture and is a member of Garden Writers Association of America. He can be reached at ballroom16@ aol.com