treeN. America Native

White frangipani

The Story

Plant Bio

Plumeria alba, the white frangipani, is a deciduous, vase-shaped tropical tree native to the Caribbean that reaches heights of fifteen to twenty-five feet. It features thick, succulent branches containing toxic milky latex and narrow, dark green glossy leaves clustered tightly at the branch tips.

This species is distinguished by its highly fragrant, pure white flowers with a prominent yellow center, which bloom in flat-topped clusters from spring through fall. The narrow, lanceolate leaves are longer and more slender than those of other common frangipanis, emerging bright green before maturing to a deep, glossy green.

Uses & Benefits:

Highly valued for its fragrant, pure white flowers with yellow centers and its architectural, succulent branching form.

Performs exceptionally well in coastal environments due to high salt tolerance.

Flowers attract sphinx moths, generalist pollinators, and occasionally hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300"

Width

236"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Native To

North America / Caribbean

Toxicity

Toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in rich, sandy or loamy soil with excellent drainage in a location receiving full sun to very light shade.
Water deeply when the top few centimeters of soil dry out during the active spring and summer growing seasons.
Apply a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer every two to four weeks from spring through summer to promote blooming.
Reduce watering significantly in winter or when the plant drops its leaves to prevent root rot during dormancy.

Pro Tip

Never prune heavily into old, leafless wood lacking active growth nodes, as this destroys the architectural branching structure and prevents future flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply only when the top soil layer is dry during active growth.
Use a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage flower development.
Provide full sun to maximize flower production and maintain a compact habit.
Wear gloves when handling or pruning to avoid contact with the irritating milky sap.

Don't

Do not overwater during winter dormancy, as soggy soil causes fatal root rot.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood.
Do not allow the plant to experience frost or freezing temperatures.
Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeCoastal GardensContainer PlantingCourtyard Gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

White frangipani questions

What zones can White frangipani grow in?

White 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.

Is White frangipani deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse White frangipani, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does White frangipani bloom?

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

Does White frangipani need full sun?

White frangipani does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is White frangipani drought tolerant?

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