The tropical frangipani flower is exclusive for its colorful clusters of waxy, sweet-smelling flowers that are long-lasting and bright. Its native regions are tropical South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, as well as some parts of Hawaii.
Frangipani blooms can be white, yellow, red, pink or even pastel. The frangipani plant bears long and mid-green leaves which are leathery, flesh-like, and succulent. In Hawaiian culture, the flowers are used to make leis which are floral garlands. In addition, the flowers are durable and suitable for various cut flower arrangements.
The frangipani is undoubted one of the most innovative flowers in the world, having been given many names. A few common alternate names are Plumeria, Hawaiian Lea, Dead Man’s Fingers, and Egg Flower. In tropical regions, it can be grown outdoors as large shrubs or trees which can grow over 30 feet tall. In areas with harsh cold winters, the plant can be kept in containers and moved indoors in the fall to keep the frangipani small and compact.
Varieties of Frangipani
Frangipani falls under the Plumeria genus and is divided into two primary subdivisions: obtusa and rubra. The former is known for its colorful, but less fragrant flowers, dull pointed leaves, and vivid flowers . The latter is recognized for its largely white flowers and round, shiny leaves which possess a strong fragrance.
Along with obtusa and rubra, there are some other known hybrids that stem from it. Like the obtusa, the Plumeria stenophylla is limited to white, off-white, and cream colors. The stenophylla’s blooms are elongated and resemble a ceiling fan rather than the rounded petals of rubra and obtusa flowers.
Considered a variety of cream and white colors, the flowers of plumeria pudica, like many other species of plumeria, does share its resemblance with obtusa. It shares evergreen qualities tied to warmth in climates like obtusa does. The spoon shape of the leaves is unique and striking, as well as the flowers which are more distant versions of rubra blossoms. The distinct shape of the flowers appears as if they contain more space between each petal than rubra does.
Red blossomed pink pudica is the only variant of pudica that is not a white or cream color and more recently has switched away from solely white shades. Other hybrid varieties include Plumeria Stenopetala, Plumeria Tuberculata and Plumeria Caracasana.
Growing Conditions for Frangipani
Frangipani thrives with a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day and can tolerate shade to some extent. This plant prefers well-draining soils, with the exception of clay and an optimal pH around 6.5 to 7. Additionally, excessive moisture buildup can cause root rot.
Frangipani grows best in warm, humid, and tropical conditions. While indoor growing of plumeria requires warm temperatures, they do best during a colder season. Dormancy is encouraged with 50 to 55 degree temperatures.
Care of Frangipani
Apart from the dormancy period, outdoor frangipani require approximately one inch of watering each week. For indoor frangipani, watering should also be limited to one inch of water weekly during the winter dormancy period, but during this phase should be lowered to one inch every two to three weeks.
Fertilization should occur twice a year with slow-release organic fertilizer during the growing season; early spring and early fall. Fertilization should not exceed two times during the growing period and is recommended to offset growth during spring and fall.
Toxicity Warning!
Safety goggles and garden gloves should be worn when handling frangipani. This plant has several hazardous elements, primarily its sap. Although the flowers are not as dangerous as the sap, they can still provoke mild toxicity and upset stomachs in children and pets if eaten. The frangipani tree secretes a milky sap with skin irritant properties that can lead to rashes and blisters. Its sap and bark can also be mildly toxic by causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
How to Propagate Frangipani
Frangipani stems can be easily cut to frangipani. You should prune them in late spring to early summer by cutting a stem or branch from a tree using sterilized scissors. After cutting, strip the bottom end of leaves and allow the stem to cure upright for one to four weeks.
It is crucial that the bottom end dries during this period. After this period, place the cutting in a sand filled container and water it. After a week check for roots. Once rooted, the cutting can be planted in a container or in the garden directly.
Pruning Frangipani
Frangipani can withstand pruning and shaped in several ways. Develop a central trunk by cutting lower branches during the developmental phase. To encourage new branch growth and increase fullness, prune existing branches by one half to two thirds.
For optimal growth, wait until next late winter or early spring to prune your Frangipani. Remember that blooms only occur at the end of branches, so pruned branches will not produce blooms until the following year.
Garden Pests and Diseases of Frangipani
Pseudosphinx tetrio, better known as Frangipani caterpillar or moth, is a colorful and venomous creature that is the most prominent threat to frangipani. They consume the leaves of the plant, and their feeding does not usually affect other parts of the tree.
They can be handpicked, but due to their venomous bites, gloves must be worn for safety. Other frangipani damaging pests include white scale insects, whiteflies, mealybugs, and nematodes. Small infestations can be treated with organic insecticides, and greater issues with manual removal through water blasts. Root rot can arise as a complication due to poor drainage or excessively wet soil.
Common Questions and Answers About Frangipani
Are frangipani and plumeria the same?
Plumeria is the botanical genus name for seven or eight species of plants in the Apocynaceae family commonly called frangipani. Other common names for plants in the plumeria genus include graveyard tree, lei flower, nosegay, pagoda tree, temple tree, Singapore plumeria, red plumeria, and West Indian jasmine.
Are frangipani poisonous?
Yes. The frangipani plant is toxic to humans as well as dogs, cats, and other animals. If ingestion occurs, it is recommended to contact the Poison Control Center at (800)222-1222. Medical attention may be necessary.
The antiemetic Adominally, human beings will not experience any illness until after consuming the equivalent of one entire flower. However, the frangipani’s bark and sap are capable of causing some irritation and adverse reaction. Some of the symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting.
The flowers, bark, and sap also associated with some leaves can be quite irritating to the eyes and skin, resulting in temporary blindness as well as a rash or blisters on the skin. Too, skin contact with any portion of the plant may also result in stomach cramping and discomfort. Because of these effects, safety goggles as well as gardening gloves should be worn when dealing with frangipani.
The risk of toxicity is mild for pets. Consumption of flowers, bark, or sap within the leaves may result in vomiting, excessive salivation, and diarrhea. In most cases of frangipani poisoning, pets can be monitored at home.
Pet owners, however, should reach out to their veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 for tailored advice. As for the flowers, bark and sap, they are not only harmful to humans but also irritate the eyes and skin of pets.
Are frangipanis succulents?
No, frangipanis are not succulents; they are considered deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs and trees within the dogbane family.
Are frangipani roots invasive?
Frangipani is not invasive; in fact, their root systems are so shallow that they can blow over in high winds. There is no concern for combination with other plants or structures, as the root ball is small.
Are frangipani trees fast growing?
Frangipani trees have the potential to reach considerable size, as high as six meters and five meters wide (or about 20 feet by 16 feet), but they are quite slow to grow. On average they only increase height by 20 centimeters a year, which is about 8 inches.
Are there different types of frangipani?
Yes. There are different species that make up the plumeria genus commonly referred to as frangipani. Some of these are Plumeria obtusa, Plumeria pudica, Plumeria rubra, and Plumeria stenophylla. There are also many hybrids such as Plumeria Caracasana, Plumeria stenopetala, and Plumeria tuberculata.
Can frangipani grow indoors?
Yes. Indoors, frangipani can be grown like any other plant, but proper care must be enforced. In the early stages, seedlings begin with a six-inch pot and will need to be repotted several times as they grow, but all containers must have drainage holes.
Use quick-draining potting soil, but ensure that all roots are adequately covered. It is also very important to place the Frangipani in a spot where he/she will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day.
While they can tolerate some degree of shade, they flourish best in full sunlight. Ideally, frangipani would prefer a consistent room temperature of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 degrees Celsius.
Water indoor frangipani once a week and provide an inch of water, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Overwatering can make the plant too soggy which leaves it vulnerable to root rot and other issues.
In the summer, feed the plant with a liquid fish and seaweed fertilizer that contains nitrogen, potash, and phosphorous, following the recommended dosages on the label. While handling frangipani, use safety goggles and gardening gloves as the plant is toxic and can cause stomach cramps, temporary blindness to the eyes, and rashes or blisters on the skin.
Can frangipani rust spread to other plants?
Yes, frangipani rust can spread to neighboring plants through airborne spores. This condition exhibits symptoms such as discoloration of leaves (yellowing or rusty coloration) and premature leaf abscission. In the long run, there are no additional health impacts, so it can simply be tolerated.
Use copper fungicide every 10 days, but only if your plant holds onto its leaves during winter. For already symptomatic leaves, no treatment is available. However, to prevent the spread of frangipani rust, you can restrict the movement of rust by timely removal of all fallen leaves and plant cuttings beyond the frangipani rust infection.
Always don safety goggles and gloves when dealing with frangipani, as the plant is poisonous and may cause skin and eye irritation, temporary blindness, and abdominal cramps if ingested.
Can you bonsai a frangipani?
While frangipani can be kept in small pots to achieve a miniature form, true bonsai cultivation is not possible. The leaves and bracnhes of frangipani do not undergo reduction even when the plant is pruned to a smaller dimensions. Additionally, their slow growth rate renders them unsuitable for this purpose.
Can you cut back frangipani trees?
Yes, you can prune frangipani trees, however, it is essential to remember to put on gardening gloves and safety goggles. This is important because all parts of the tree, including the sap within the leaves, is toxic and can result in skin rashes, blisters, eye irritation, temporary blindness, and stomach cramps when touched or ingested. The best periods for pruning are late spring or winter after leaf fall.
After pruning, cover the tree for a few days to prevent exposure to sunlight. If that is not possible, choose a day when extreme weather is not expected. Always sanitize pruning tools prior to use to ensure they are clean and free of harmful bacteria.
In the first 3 to 4 years of growth, reduce the height to roughly three inches from the main stem, cutting at a junction to a branch at an angle on the tree. If you prefer a single trunk rather than box shaped shrub, choose several secondary branches and remove the rest to focus growth directed to the main stem.
You may want to trim some lower growth if there is vehicle or foot traffic nearby. Any damaged, diseased or infested branches should be pruned to the main trunk yearly as issues arise instead of on a set annual cycle.
Can you eat frangipani?
Frangipani, commonly referred to plumeria or the flower of the grave, is a plant that should not be ingested at any cost. Its flowers, bark, and even the sap from the leaves are mildly toxic and pose a risk to both humans and pets. Consumption may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation.
A milky sap from the frangipani can irritate the eyes which leads to temporary blindness. Skin contact can result in irritation, rash, or even blisters. If your pet ingests frangipani, you may call veterinarian or the Poison Control Hotline for pets at 888-426-4435. To avoid the previously listed problems, always wear gardening gloves and safety goggles.
Can you grow frangipani in pots?
Yes. Frangipani can be cultivated indoors and placed outside but requires pots with drainage holes. Young seedlings start in a six-inch pot while smaller sized pots are required for larger plants. Quick draining potting soil is needed to cover the root ball completely for optimum growth. When working with frangipani, always wear gardening gloves and safety goggles. Contacting the toxic frangipani causes skin rashes, cramps in the stomach, and voilent outbursts of rage.
Can you plant a frangipani cutting straight into the ground?
With frangipani trees, as with any tree, a cutting is best taken after some preparation. As an added step, I recommend putting on gardening gloves and safety goggle as all parts of the frangipani tree are toxic and can cause rashes to the skin, eye irritation which can result in temporary blindness, and stomach cramps.
Propagation occurs in late spring or early summer. It can be achieved by cutting a branch or stem from an established tree, using sterilized tools and removing foliage from the bottom end while leaving the stem upright for one to four weeks to completely dry. After curing, move to a container with coarse sand and water.
Check on it weekly to monitor root development. After sufficient roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted either into a container or directly into the ground.
Can you prune frangipani trees?
Frangipani trees can be pruned, but it is recommended to wear gardening gloves and safety goggles. The bark, sap, and foliage of frangipani trees are poisonous and can result in skin rashes, eye irritation and temporary blindness, as well as stomach cramps from touch or ingestion.
The best time to prune them is during late spring or winter when the leaves have dropped. If the tree can be moved, place it in the shade after pruning for a few days. If not, choose a calm weather day to avoid stressing the tree.
For the first three to four years of a tree’s development, reduce growth to around three inches from the main stem. Ensure your cut aligns with branch junctions and make it at an angle. If you prefer a tree rather than a squarish shrub, encourage a single trunk by pruning away all but a few chosen secondary branches to mid-stem.
If positioned near pathways or driveways, you might want to clear away lower branches to shape the tree’s canopy. Always remove branches that are broken, diseased, infested, or problem limbs progressively as they appear, and make your cuts at the main trunk.
Do frangipanis drop their leaves?
Frangipanis will become leafless during the dormant season of winter, so yes. Please refer to our article on top questions and answers about dormancy for additional details.
Do frangipanis have seed pods?
Frangipanis do have seed pods which are twin-lobed and look like conjoined black bananas. At the initial stage, they are green in color, but as they grow even during the dormant phase, they turn black.
Most pods reach maturity by early spring and then dry and split to release 25 to 60 seeds each. To collect seed pods without losing any seeds, you can wrap them in cheesecloth which can be done carefully and loosely.
Do frangipani lose leaves in winter?
Frangipanis will shed their leaves when the temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius. Yellowing and finally shedding of leaves is part normal of frangipani dormancy period.
Do frangipanis flower every year?
Frangipani bloom only after attaining a full three years of maturity and, with the right conditions, will bloom annually. In the northern hemisphere, they bloom in the summer months. A non-flowering frangipani can be encouraged to flower by providing six hours of sunlight daily, high phosphorus fertilizer, micronutrient supplements like boron, calcium, copper, magnesium, and sulfur, and surface dry soil watering.
After proper pruning, blooming is possible after resting for two years. Remember to wear gloves and goggles, as frangipani is toxic and can cause skin blistering and eye irritation, temporary blindness, or abdominal cramps if touched or ingested.
Infestation by aphids, thrips, or mealybugs can also prevent flowers from blooming. These pests can be treated with a homemade spray of one liter warm water, four to five drops dish soap, and a teaspoon of neem oil.
Do frangipanis need a lot of water?
Frangipani growing outdoors require approximately one inch of water each week, except during the dormant phase when watering is not necessary. Indoors, frangipani require about an inch of water weekly as well, but let the soil dry completely between waterings. You can learn more about dormancy in plants in this article.
Do frangipanis need full sun?
Frangipani require at least 6 hours of bright sunlight each day to flourish and will tolerate shade growing also.
How can I make my frangipani grow faster?
To make frangipani bloom faster, improve care tailored to the plant’s preferences and needs. To make frangipanis flourish, make sure they receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering requirements include approximately one inch weekly (with exception of the dormancy period for outdoor plants) but ensure the soil dries out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Supplemented with organic fertilizers high in nitrogen, potassium (or potash), and phosphorous, frangipani will be nourished and thrive if provided plenty of nutrients as well.
How do I get rid of frangipani rust?
Rust is a form of disease that results in unsightly symptoms, like discoloration and drooping of leaves. While these symptoms do not impact the overall health of the plant, some gardeners choose to simply live with the disease because it does not inflict any long-term damage.
It is important to note, however, that rust can spread to other plants through airborne spores. To prevent frangipani rust, you can refrain from leaving fallen leaves and other debris for a long time. (Note: Always wear gardening gloves and safety goggles while doing this because frangipani is toxic and can cause, if ingested or touched, cramping in the stomach, eyes irritation and temporary blindness, and blistering of the skin.)
While it is not possible to recover leaves already showing rust, you can begin treatment during the dormant period after leaf drop. In case your plant is a leaf-retainer during the dormant phase, you can treat frangipani rust using copper fungicides.
How do you dry frangipani flowers?
This plant can cause skin blistering, temporary blindness, and stomach cramps if touched or ingested, so do not attempt to dry them without safety goggles and gloves. To dry frangipani flower, trimming must be done using sterile trimming shears.
Gently put the flower heads in bunches and tie them with string while the flower stems are still attached. The strings must have enough slack to be hung later. Look for a room with no traffic and light so the flowers can dry undisturbed.
Suspend the bunch with a hook and leave for two weeks or more until all moisture is gone and they feel papery. Optionally, stems can be removed after this step. For storage, wrap loosely in paper then place in a box with holes on the sides, top and bottom.
How do you grow frangipani cuttings?
Spring’s end and the summer months stand out as the most ideal seasons to take the cuttings. Collecting cuttings from a well established tree should always be done by using clean and sterilized gardening tools.
To prepare the cutting, you need to remove both flowers and leaves from the lower end, and letting the cutting sit upright until the cut end is fully dried. Depending on how dry the cutting is, this could take anywhere between one to four weeks.
After this period, you can place the cutting into a container filled with coarse sand. Use water to moisten the sand but don’t over saturate it. Check weekly for root development. Once roots are present, the frangipani can either be potted or planted directly into the soil outdoors.
How do you keep frangipani flowers alive?
To keep cut frangipani flowers for longer spoilage, there are two methods. As a safety precaution, always wear a pair of goggles and gloves to protect yourself when dealing with frangipani flowers since the entire plant is toxic.
Furthermore, the plant can result in irritation to the skin or eyes and, if ingested, cause cramping to the stomach as well as temporary blindness. To refresh your frangipani for 24 hours, simply submerging them in cold water for 10 minutes will do the trick.
For longer preservation, you can refrigerate them to keep them fresh for 48 hours, providing a longer refresh guarantee. Additionally, all parts of the frangipani can be dried and preserved to be used in arrangements later. (The instructions to dry them can be found just two questions above).
How do you transplant a frangipani?
The same goggles and gloves to protect you when transplanting frangipani should be used since the flowers and sap are known to be toxic. They can make you feel bloated and can result in rash like symptoms.
When commencing your frangipani relocation, ensure you have already scoped out a full sun area or one with a bit of shade, as it should have good, well draining soil. You want to make sure there is plenty of space for the frangipani to flourish in. Lastly, always transplant them in spring or summer where temperatures are mild and won’t further stress the plant out.
With a trench, circle around the plant to undercut the root ball. From time to time, it is okay to cut a root, but do not cut through the main network. After that, gently lift your frangipani and relocate it to the new spot, ensuring that the movement is gentle and careful. Now, go stubborn digging to create a hole that’s deeper and wider than the root ball by two times.
Fill the hole around your plant using the soil extracted from it. Provide ample water to settle the soil but cover the surface with mulch that’s made ofof wood chips, compost, or tree bark excluding two inch of the trunk so that it can breathe freely.
How fast do frangipanis grow?
While frangipanis are not the world’s fastest growing plants, they can reach considerable sizes. On average, they grow 20 centimeters a year, which is roughly 5 centimeters month.
How long do you leave frangipani cuttings before planting?
Frangipani cuttings should be allowed to rest for curing for anywhere from one to four weeks. It is important during this time that the cutting is placed upright. For optimal results, it is best to let the roots develop in a container filled with coarse sand and water before planting. After the roots are well established, you can then transfer the frangipani to your preferred garden bed or container.
How long does it take for a frangipani to flower?
Frangipani takes an average of three years to start flowering after it is planted. New branches developed after pruning will take around two years to mature enough to bear flowers.
How often do you water a frangipani?
The watering frequency for frangipani should be when the soil is completely dry. Containerized frangipani as well as those planted in the ground both need about an inch of water weekly on average. Adhere strictly to this guideline to avoid overwatering, which may lead to root rot and other associated problems.
How many colors do frangipanis come in?
The most frequently occurring shades are white and yellow, but frangipani blooms can also be found in a plethora of exotic tropical hues as well as pink, cotton candy, lilac, orange, tricolor (fruit salad), Darwin blood red, bicolors, peach, and mango. In total, there can be over 300 shades of frangipanis and are available in bicolors, tricolors, and even striped or variegated tri-color blooms.
How much sun does a frangipani need?
Frangipani flowers excel in temperatures above 30 degrees celcius and can withstand as little as 6 hours of sun and partial shade. They thrive in direct bright sun for over 8 hours.
How tall do frangipani trees grow?
A fully grown frangipani tree stretches about 6 meters tall with a width of 5 meters, therefore giving it a size of approximately 20 feet by 16 feet.
Is frangipani a tree?
The genus frangipani, or plumeria, belongs to the dogbane family and consists of shrubs or small to medium-sized semi evergreen flowering trees.
Is frangipani rust dangerous to humans?
The airborne spores can spread the disease to surrounding plants, however it is fairly harmless to the tree itself. This can lead to a loss of leaves, making the tree less visually appealing, but does not pose a serious threat to the tree’s health.
What causes rust on frangipani?
Frangipani rust is an airborne fungal disease that propagates through spores which are transported by wind currents. The spores adhere to the leaves during humid conditions. To prevent frangipani rust, you must remove and properly dispose of the plant debris and leaves. The affected foliage becomes necrotic and falls off. During the period of dormancy, the tree will shed leaves and remain free of rust.
If, however, your tree retains its leaves during its dormant phase, you may apply copper fungicide. In any case, working with frangipani requires protective goggles and gloves, as the plant is toxic and may cause skin and eye irritation, blisters, temporary blindness, or, if ingested, stomach cramps.
What do frangipanis symbolize?
Frangipanis are associated with numerous meanings in different cultures. Symbolizes connection to the spirit world or to the dead, personal spirit guides to help navigate challenges, hospitality or welcome as seen in Hawaiian leis, romantic love and lifelong commitment, and even immortality.
What is another name for frangipani?
In addition to graveyard tree, lei flower, nosegay, pagoda tree, temple tree, Singapore plumeria, red plumeria, and West Indian jasmine, Frangipani’s botanical name is plumeria.
What is the best fertilizer for frangipani?
Frangipani yield best when organic fertilizers are used which contain a variety of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium or potash.
What is the best potting mix for frangipani?
Frangipani in pots grow best in premium potting mix which maintains good drainage without water crystals or other wetting agents.
What kind of soil do frangipanis like?
Frangipani in garden beds require well-draining soils such as sandy soils apart from clay, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. For those who want to check their soil’s pH level, read our article on soil pH testing.
What month do frangipanis flower?
In the northern hemisphere, frangipani bloom in late spring and summer while in the southern hemisphere, they blossom from November to April.
Where do frangipanis grow in Australia?
Australian frangipani are found in coastal warm regions like Sydney, Queensland, and from the northern coast to Perth.
Which part of frangipani is poisonous?
Frangipani flowers, bark, and sap are all considered parts of the plant to be toxic to both humans and pets.
Why are my frangipani leaves curling?
Curled leaves on frangipani could be a sign of damage from insects such as aphids, mites, mealybugs, or thrips, which feed on the plant’s sap. A homemade remedy agitator made with one liter of warm water, four to five drops of dish soap, and one teaspoon of neem oil will work finer against such insects. While gardening gloves and protective goggles should always be worn when dealing with frangipani due to the plant’s toxicity and potential skin irritants.
In the Southern Hemisphere, frangipani blooms from November through April. In the Northern Hemisphere, they are in season late spring and summer.
Where do frangipanis grow in Australia?
The Australian frangipani is found in warm coastal regions such as Sydney, Queensland, and northern Perth.
Which part of frangipani is poisonous?
All parts of frangipani plants are poisonous to humans and pets alike, including the flowers, bark, and sap.
Why are my frangipani leaves curling?
The curling of the leaves may indicate that the frangipani is suffering from an infestation from sap sucking insects such as aphids, mites, mealybugs, or thrips. A homemade remedy for such pests can be prepared from a liter of warm water, four to five drops of dish soap, and a teaspoon of neem oil.
While working with frangipani, it is important to put on gardening gloves as well as safety goggles because the plant is toxic and may lead to skin irritation, blisters, eye inflammation causing temporary blindness, or stomach cramps if ingested.