Plumeria / Frangipani
Scientific Name: Plumeria rubra / Plumeria spp.
Light Requirement: Full sun. Plumeria flowers best with strong sunlight and warm growing conditions. It can tolerate some light shade, but too much shade may reduce flowering and create a leggier plant.
Height: Typically 10–20 ft. tall in Florida landscapes, depending on variety, pruning, and growing conditions. Some older plants can become larger in warm protected areas.
Plant Spacing: Space about 8–12 ft. apart for single specimens, small groupings, or small-tree accents. Allow enough room away from walkways, driveways, patios, pool cages, and structures for the branching canopy to develop.
Growth Habit: Moderate-growing tropical flowering shrub or small tree with thick, fleshy branches, large leaves, and clusters of fragrant flowers in colors such as yellow, white, pink, red, orange, or mixed tones. Many varieties have a sculptural branching shape and may become partially leafless during cooler or drier periods.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 10–11; cold sensitive and may be damaged by frost or freezing temperatures; drought tolerant once established; low to moderate salt tolerance; prefers well-drained soil and generally performs best in slightly acidic to neutral soil, though it may tolerate mildly alkaline conditions if drainage is good and nutrient deficiencies are managed.
Maintenance Info: Low to moderate maintenance when planted in the right location. Plumeria needs well-drained soil and should not stay wet around the roots, especially during cooler months. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce watering once rooted. Prune selectively to shape the plant, remove damaged branches, or control size. It may experience plumeria rust, leaf drop, or cold damage during certain conditions, but healthy established plants often recover well in warm weather. Use caution when pruning because the milky sap can irritate skin and eyes.
Best Uses in the Landscape: Excellent as a tropical flowering accent, small ornamental tree, courtyard feature, pool-area plant, patio accent, entryway planting, specimen tree, or focal point in warm sunny landscape beds. It works especially well where a bold tropical look, fragrant flowers, and sculptural branching are desired.
Plant Info: Plumeria is native to tropical parts of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It is also commonly called Frangipani, a name historically connected to the flower’s sweet fragrance. Plumeria flowers are well known for their use in tropical landscapes, leis, gardens, and warm-climate resort-style plantings. In Florida landscapes, plumeria is valued for its colorful flowers, interesting branch structure, and ability to create a tropical look without becoming as massive as many shade trees.
