Frangipanis

It’s hard to imagine a plant that heralds the arrival of summer more than the sweet scent and colour of frangipani trees (Plumeria spp.) in flower. There are 18 species and hundreds of named cultivars of this iconic tropical tree, which belongs to the Apocynaceae family. With so many colour and fragrance variations, it’s impossible to stop at one, if you have space.

P. rubra, known simply as frangipani, is the most common species, and the one from which the vast majority of cultivars originate. It is deciduous but species such as P. pudica (fiddle leaf plumeria) and P. obtusa (Singapore frangipani) are evergreen or semi-deciduous, depending on the climate. Deciduous species suit locations where you want summer shade and winter sun.

These drought-hardy, heat-loving shrubs and small trees require full sun, free-draining soil and frost-free conditions to thrive, and grow best in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates. They’re right at home in either cottage or tropical style gardens.

Frangipanis are not heavy feeders but fertilising them will produce better growth and flowering. Watering during extended dry spells or drought is also helpful. If pruning, take care to protect the shape of the tree, and always prune into healthy wood to prevent possible dieback. The milky white sap can cause irritation, so avoid skin and eye contact.

Frangipanis are quite robust in the right growing conditions. Frangipani rust, a fungal disease, is the biggest problem, and there is no registered treatment. You can reduce the severity of the condition the following season by disposing of infected leaves after they’ve dropped. Mealy bugs and scale can infest the trees during the growing season. Spray with an organic pesticide. Stem rot and black tip dieback can be an issue in cooler climates or in older trees. It can also result from poor pruning methods or insect damage.

A few of Claire’s favourite frangipanis

P. rubra ‘Darwin Blues’
Relatively new, with unusual pale lilac–lavender silver blooms. Rust-resistant, it grows to 2–3m.

P. obtusa ‘Petite pink’
This compact dwarf grows 1-2m tall, making it perfect for containers. Has scented, star-shaped flowers that contrast against deep green leaves.

P. rubra ‘Black Red’
This 3m cultivar has one of the darkest blooms of the red-flowering frangipanis. The spicy scent is a bonus. Not for cooler regions.

Header image credit: Alamy