treeN. America Native

Singapore Frangipani

The Story

Plant Bio

Plumeria obtusa, the Singapore frangipani, is a small, open-branching tropical tree with a thick, gnarled trunk and fleshy branches containing toxic milky sap. The glossy, dark green leaves are narrow and obovate with distinctly blunt tips, remaining semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on winter moisture levels.

This species is distinguished by its terminal clusters of highly fragrant, five-petaled white flowers that feature a bright yellow center. Unlike other frangipani species, the foliage lacks sharp tips and maintains a deep, polished luster throughout the growing season.

Uses & Benefits:

Highly fragrant, five-petaled white flowers with yellow centers contrast with glossy, dark green, blunt-tipped foliage.

High tolerance to salt spray makes it suitable for coastal plantings where frost is absent.

Flowers attract generalist large insect pollinators and nocturnal hawkmoths.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

144"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Central America, Bahamas, Greater Antilles, Southern Florida

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets (milky sap)

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a highly porous, fast-draining medium such as a sandy loam or a cactus potting mix.
Position in a location receiving at least six hours of direct daily sunlight to ensure reliable blooming.
Water deeply but infrequently, letting the substrate dry out entirely before applying water again.
Bring container-grown specimens indoors before overnight temperatures drop below 34°F (1°C).

Pro Tip

Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings; keeping the root zone continuously moist triggers immediate, fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Use a high-phosphorus fertilizer during the active spring and summer growing seasons.
Wear gloves when pruning to avoid contact with the irritating milky sap.
Provide full sun exposure to maximize flower production.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the pot to sit in standing water.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless woody stems where nodes cannot regenerate.
Do not fertilize during the winter dormancy period.
Do not expose the plant to freezing temperatures or frost.

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 TreeContainer PlantPatio PlantCoastal Garden

Companion Plants

Adenium obesum Bougainvillea spectabilis Agave attenuata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Singapore Frangipani questions

What zones can Singapore Frangipani grow in?

Singapore 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 Singapore Frangipani deer resistant?

Yes — Singapore Frangipani is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Singapore Frangipani bloom?

Singapore 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 Singapore Frangipani need full sun?

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

Is Singapore Frangipani drought tolerant?

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