Plumeria, also commonly known as Frangipani, bears sweetly fragrant flowers. Even if they did not smell so good, they are also very beautiful! Plumeria trees are native to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Today they are popular worldwide, especially in areas where it doesn’t freeze. The flowers of these beautiful plants are used in making traditional Hawaiian leis.

This tropical plant is easy to grow and care for in our more temperate South Texas climate. You do have to protect it in the wintertime, and if you’ve ever grown one, then you know why they are worth the effort.

There are several species of this member of the Oleander family which have been bred and hybridized to the point there are now over 1000 different varieties, in all different colors and even fragrances.
Plumeria should be grown in full, or mostly full sun for them to bloom the best. They survive in the shade, but blooms will be sparse, if at all.
It can take a couple of years for a plumeria to bloom from cuttings (which root very easily in warmer weather), but once a plant has begun to bloom, it will reward you with fragrant blossoms every summer henceforth. The best location for plumerias is where you can enjoy their sweet fragrance, like on a patio, veranda, along a walk, or by the door.

Once growth begins in spring and watering resumes, they will swell and return to their former state.

When kept outside, pests are usually not a problem, but if kept inside or in a greenhouse, mealybugs and spider mites might bother your plants.

Because they are loved by so many people (understatement), there are societies devoted to this plant, including the Plumeria Society of America, Inc., which is located in Houston*. 

Source: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service http://agrilife.org/etg/2014/07/11/plumeria-and-frangipani-bring-the-tropics-to-your-home/

Photo RGV.com@ staff

 

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