Plumerias, also known as frangipanis, are beautiful tropical plants that can be grown indoors or outdoors.
The flowers are highly fragrant, long lasting and come in many different color combinations including white and yellow and pink and orange.
In this complete guide to plumeria flowers you’ll learn how to grow plumeria flowers, what to do if your plumeria tree or shrub isn’t blooming and I’ll answer some common questions about plumeria flowers.
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Frangipani flowers have five petals that form a pinwheel shape and grow in clusters at the end of the branches.
Plumeria trees and shrubs are native to tropical areas but they can also be grown outside the tropics in containers and overwintered indoors.
They can grow up to 20 feet (6 metres) tall but regular pruning will keep them to a manageable size.
When do plumeria plants bloom?
Plumeria (Frangipani) trees bloom from summer right through until fall so you can enjoy the beautiful fragrant flowers in your garden for many months.
Why isn’t my plumeria flowering?
It takes around two years for a plumeria plant to begin blooming so if your plant is still young it may just be a matter of time before it starts to bloom.
Some other reasons your plumeria may not be blooming include:
Temperature
Plumerias grow best in warm climates and can’t tolerate freezing temperatures.
In the US, plumerias will flower well in plant hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Outside these areas, it’s best to plant your plumeria in a large container and move it indoors as soon as the temperature starts to cool down in fall.
Growing conditions
Plumerias grow best in slightly acidic, well draining soil.
Dig some aged compost into the soil before planting your plumeria.
Water the plant deeply and allow it to dry out slightly between waterings.
Light
Plumeria plants flower best when they receive at least six hours of sunlight each day.
If your plumeria is located in a shady area, you may need to move it to a spot that receives more sunlight to help it bloom.
Humidity
Plumerias are native to tropical areas so they grow and bloom best when humidity levels are high.
If you’re growing plumerias outside the tropics you can spray the leaves regularly with a spray bottle or use a humidifier if your plumeria is located indoors.
Fertilizer
Applying a liquid fertilizer to your plumeria every two or three weeks while it’s flowering will help to prolong the bloom time.
Choose a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to support bud formation and flower production.
Bloom Booster Flower Food is an excellent choice for fertilizing plumerias, with a ratio of 10-52-10 to promote an abundance of flowers.
Do potted plumerias bloom?
Plumerias grow and flower well in containers as long as they receive at least six hours sun each day.
Indoor plumerias should be situated in a well lit sunroom or in front of a big window.
Choose a large container with drainage holes in the bottom and place it on a pot stand with wheels so you can move it around easily.
Use a high quality potting mix and fertilize the plants when buds start to appear.
Caring for plumerias after they’ve bloomed
Plumerias can be damaged by frosts in cool climates, so it’s best to wait until late winter or early spring to give your plumeria a light prune.
Pruning plumerias each year will keep the tree to a small size and helps to keep it healthy by removing any dead or diseased branches.
Are plumeria flowers edible?
Yes, plumeria flowers can be used in salads or as a decoration for your meals.
Just be sure to use flowers that haven’t been sprayed with chemicals and wash them well before using.
Plumeria cut flowers
Frangipani flowers that fall off the tree can be floated in a bowl of water or added to bath water to make it pretty and fragrant.
You can also cut a few stems off the tree and arrange them in a vase of water.
Place the vase in a cool spot away from direct sunlight and change the water every couple of days to help the flowers last longer.
Cultural uses of plumeria flowers
Frangipani flowers are used in Hawaii to make floral leis and they’re also used to indicate a woman’s relationship status in polynesian culture.
Women wear a frangipani flower over their right ear if they’re single and over their left ear if they’re in a relationship.
Plumerias are also the national flower of Laos and Nicaragua.
Are frangipani flowers poisonous for cats and dogs?
Plumeria leaves and flowers can irritate the digestive tract of cats and dogs and cause excessive salivation, vomiting and diarrhea if they’re ingested. [1]
So there is my guide to plumeria (frangipani) flowers.
With the right care and conditions your plumeria shrub or tree will reward you with a stunning display of fragrant flowers each year.
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Do you have any other tips for growing and caring for plumerias? Let me know in the comments below.
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Cut flowers wilt in a vase-any suggestions?
Hi Ruthy, you could float the frangipani flowers in a bowl of water for a nice table decoration.