A Plumeria Tree with Fragrant Flowers

Plumeria trees have beautiful scented flowers and an all year appeal. It is a tropical or subtropical tree and it can be found in areas with temperatures similar to U.S zones 7-11. It flourishes in Florida, Mexico, Hawaii, Central America and it has been naturalized so thoroughly into S.E. Asia it seems to have been there forever. Plumeria is also called Frangipani, Pagoda Tree, Temple Tree and in Thailand it is known as Lanthom or LeeLawadee. It is the national flower of Laos and there it is called Champa.

Growing a Plumeria Tree

Plumeria is a medium sized, mainly deciduous tree with a range of flower colors: white, yellow, pink, red and various mixes of these original colors. When choosing a Plumeria the leaf variations are also a matter of choice as each of the species is different. Some are narrow like P. alba and some are long oak leaf shape, P. judica. Plumeria judica is always a very good choice with its evergreen leaves and seemingly endless blossoms. The flowers are fragrant and very useful for indoor cuttings. The blossoms also sit beautifully in crystal bowls of water in an indoor setting. Plumeria or most commonly named Frangipani is also a good choice for container planting. Plumeria likes full sun, but will do fine in partial shade. An average amount of water is needed but be careful not to over-water; water logged conditions will not be appreciated and the plant will suffer.

Propagating a Plumeria

Plumeria is easy to propagate and the best method is by cuttings. Take a cutting up to 2ft. long, check it thoroughly for any stem rot or disease, place it in a dry place for two weeks and then plant up into a pot or directly into a well drained position in the garden and the new tree should produce flowers within the first year. On the other hand the Plumeria stock can be increased by seed propagation. The seeds will sprout in about two weeks and when two or more leaves are formed plant the seedlings into individual pots for growing. With this method it can take up to three years for blooms to appear, and the flowers are less likely to remain true to the parent tree.

Plumeria Problems

Plumeria trees are robust but still it is advisable to look closely at the tree to detect early signs of disease or insect attack. Spider mites, Whitefly and Scale insects are all common invaders of Plumeria. These can be prevented and eradicated by spraying the tree and keeping the area around the base free from fallen leaves and decaying debris. Slugs, to a lesser degree, can be a problem as they enjoy the succulent leaves. Plumeria is susceptible to fungus and stem rot both of which can be dealt with easily. Spray the tree with a fungicide and when stem rot is detected simply cut away the rotting stem and the tree will be fine. If stem rot is found in Plumeria cuttings, discard and burn the cuttings, they will not survive.

Plumeria and Oleander

Plumeria is related to the Oleander plant, Nerium oleander, in the fact that these two trees are from the same family and both are poisonous. Always wear gloves when handling Plumeria.

Plumeria Myths and Traditions

In Thailand it is believed that Plumeria, when named Lanthom, is unlucky to have in a house but once it has been renamed LeeLawadee it is perfectly acceptable and it features on New Year 2008 postage stamps. Both Buddhists and Hindu use the Plumeria or Temple Tree in their religious rituals; in Polynesian culture the blossom is worn behind the right ear if a lady is seeking company, and behind the left if attached already.