Perhaps no plant says ‘tropical’ more than the frangipani.
Native to the Americas and Caribbean, frangipanis (genus Plumeria) are beloved across the world for their intoxicating scent, lurid shades and delicate petals that have become short-hand for relaxed tropical-style gardens.
Deliciously fragrant and best described as being a slow-growing large shrub to small tree, frangipanis thrive in the warmer climates. They’ll flower from summer right through to autumn. In cooler areas grow them in pots in a warm microclimate such as against a brick wall, ideally in a north-facing position, and ensure protection from frost.
How to grow
Frangipani plants require full sun to grow and flower well. It’s a good idea to fertilise twice a year – at the beginning of spring and during summer. Use a slow-release fertiliser that is high in phosphate for strong root growth, and potassium for better quality flowers.
Frangipanis require well-drained soil, and they don’t like to be overwatered. Water well during the warmer months and just leave it to nature in the cooler months.
If you need to transplant your frangipani plants, do it in spring or summer. This is also the best time to prune them if required. When pruning remember to wear protective gear on both the hands, arms and face as the plant when pruned will produce a sap that can be irritating.
Generally speaking, frangipanis are mostly pest and disease free. The most common complaint is orange rust fungus, a pathogen triggered by humidity that will cause them to lose their leaves.
This can be treated on a small tree by regularly taking the older leaves off and putting them in the bin (not the compost). Horticultural oil applied in the cool part of the day is also effective, smothering the blooms of the rust.
Varieties
Beloved by home gardeners and obsessive collectors alike, breeding efforts have raised hundreds if not thousands of frangipani cultivars in a variety of dazzling colours and patterns. Global breeding hotspots include popular tropical holiday destinations such as Hawaii and Thailand.
The most popular variety of frangipani in Australia is ‘Singapore white’. It has darker green leaves, very large white flowers with a yellow centre. It’s one of the most cold-hardy varieties, fine to grow right down to Melbourne. It’s also very easy to propagate, leading to its popularity in the nursery trade.
Dwarf cultivars are proven performers for gardeners who want to grow them in pots (although slow growers frangipanis can get to eight metres in size).
If you’re in a warmer climate, there’s almost no limit to the colours you can enjoy on your frangipani tree, with cultivars in pink, orange, yellow and even purple available from specialist breeders and nurseries. Evocative names such as Cherry Clusters, Hawaii Sunset and Perth Hot Pink hint at just how much colour these modern hybrids will bring to your place.
The best advice for picking a variety is to look around your local area; if one’s growing and doing well, that’s the one you want. Frangipanis are easy to grow from cuttings, so a friendly neighbour may be willing to part with a piece of one that’s done well at their place!
Propagation
Frangipanis are mostly grown from cuttings, as they’re very easy to propagate. This also ensures a clone of the mother plants floral character. Metre-long cuttings are typically taken as whole fleshy branches, and then the branches are left to dry out in the air and form a callous over the wound.
The calloused end is then planted 3cm deep in the ground, where the callous can then form roots. It’s best to do this over the warmer season, for the callous to form quickly and the roots to grow in the warm soil.
Have you had any success growing frangipanis? Why not share your tips in the comments section below?
Also read: How to grow food in a shady garden
