tropical

Frangipani

The Story

Plant Bio

Plumeria rubra, the frangipani, is a deciduous tropical tree or large shrub with thick, succulent, blunt branches containing an abundant milky latex sap. The large, leathery, elliptic leaves cluster in dense whorls at the branch tips, providing a lush backdrop for terminal clusters of highly fragrant, five-petaled flowers.

While wild specimens produce pink to red blooms, cultivated selections expand the palette to include white, yellow, and multi-colored variations. The flowers emerge in late spring and continue in successive flushes through the fall, or year-round in entirely frost-free climates.

Uses & Benefits:

Highly fragrant, colorful flowers and bold, architectural foliage make it an exceptional focal point.

High drought and salt tolerance make it well-suited for exposed coastal landscapes and low-water gardens.

Flowers attract generalist pollinators, including large bees and specialized hawkmoths.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tropical

Height

300"

Width

240"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Native To

Mexico, Central America, Venezuela

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested; sap causes skin and eye irritation

Bloom period

Late spring – Fall

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives at least six hours of direct daily sunlight to ensure robust flowering.
Prepare a rich, coarse, sandy or loamy soil mix that drains rapidly to prevent waterlogging around the root zone.
Water deeply during the active spring and summer growing seasons, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Cease watering entirely in late fall as leaves begin to drop, allowing the plant to enter its dry winter dormancy.

Pro Tip

Withhold all water and fertilizer during the winter deciduous dormancy when the plant is leafless; applying water to dormant roots invariably causes fatal stem and root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in containers in regions that experience frost so the plant can be moved indoors for winter protection.
Allow stem cuttings to dry and callus for several days before planting them into a well-draining medium.
Apply a balanced or high-phosphorus fertilizer during the active spring and summer growing season.

Don't

Do not water the plant during its winter dormancy when it is devoid of leaves.
Do not prune blindly into old, leafless wood that lacks visible live nodes.
Do not allow the plant to sit in standing water or waterlogged, heavy soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen plantCourtyard accentCoastal garden plantingPatio container specimen

Companion Plants

Tecoma stans

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Frangipani questions

What zones can Frangipani grow in?

Frangipani is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Frangipani bloom?

Frangipani typically blooms in late spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Frangipani need full sun?

Frangipani does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Frangipani drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Frangipani handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.