Singapore frangipani, Singapore white, Singapore graveyard flower, White frangipani, Pagoda tree
Plumeria obtusa
The Story
Plant Bio
Plumeria obtusa is a small, semi-evergreen tree native to the Neotropics, characterised by its thick, succulent-like branches and a rounded, umbrella-shaped canopy. In cultivation, it produces large terminal clusters of white flowers with brilliant yellow throats from spring through to autumn.
Unlike the more common Plumeria rubra, this species features highly glossy, leathery, dark green leaves with distinctly blunt or rounded tips that remain on the plant year-round in warm, frost-free climates. It exhibits high tolerance to coastal salt spray and tropical humidity, making it well-suited to seaside gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
177 inches
Width
157 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Neotropics (West Indies, southern Mexico, Central America)
Toxicity
Toxic to pets, skin irritant
Bloom period
Spring – Autumn
In flower about 7 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Plant in a highly free-draining sandy loam or potting mix in a position that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water moderately during the active growing season in spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser or a high-potassium formulation once or twice between spring and mid-summer.
- Cease watering almost completely during the winter months when the plant enters dormancy to prevent root rot.
Pro Tip
Keep the root zone almost entirely dry during the cool winter dormancy period; watering when the plant is not actively growing in cold soil is the primary cause of fatal root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Clear away fallen leaves promptly to reduce the spread of frangipani rust spores.
- Protect the plant from frost by moving containers indoors or placing them against warm, sheltered walls in cooler climates.
- Allow stem cuttings to dry and form a firm callus for several days before planting them into a propagation medium.
Don't
- Do not overwater during winter or leave the root zone sitting in heavy, waterlogged clay soils.
- Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood, as this significantly reduces future flowering sites.
- Do not handle broken stems without gloves, as the milky latex sap causes skin and eye irritation.
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
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Singapore frangipani, Singapore white, Singapore graveyard flower, White frangipani, Pagoda tree questions
What zones can Singapore frangipani, Singapore white, Singapore graveyard flower, White frangipani, Pagoda tree grow in?
Singapore frangipani, Singapore white, Singapore graveyard flower, White frangipani, Pagoda tree is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Singapore frangipani, Singapore white, Singapore graveyard flower, White frangipani, Pagoda tree bloom?
Singapore frangipani, Singapore white, Singapore graveyard flower, White frangipani, Pagoda tree typically blooms in spring through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Singapore frangipani, Singapore white, Singapore graveyard flower, White frangipani, Pagoda tree need full sun?
Singapore frangipani, Singapore white, Singapore graveyard flower, White frangipani, Pagoda tree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Singapore frangipani, Singapore white, Singapore graveyard flower, White frangipani, Pagoda tree drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Singapore frangipani, Singapore white, Singapore graveyard flower, White frangipani, Pagoda tree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Singapore frangipani, Singapore white, Singapore graveyard flower, White frangipani, Pagoda tree with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.