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Before we dig into all the tips on growing and caring for frangipani trees, let’s first get to know this beautiful plant a little better.
Let’s discover more about frangipani trees, including some interesting facts, tips on how to care for them, and everything else you need to know!
Frangipani Trees Facts
Frangipani trees are native to tropical regions and can be found in the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania. The scientific name for frangipani is Plumeria rubra.
Frangipanis are large shrubs or small trees that can grow up to 6-8 meters tall. They have smooth, glossy bark and branches that are covered in flowers. The flowers can be white, pink, red or yellow and have a strong fragrance.
Planting and Repotting of Frangipani
To plant your frangipani tree:
- Find a spot in your yard with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole twice the size of the tree’s root ball and mix some compost into the backfill.
- Gently remove the tree from its pot and place it in the hole, ensuring the roots are spread out evenly.
- Fill in the gap with soil and water your tree well.
To repot your frangipani tree:
- Choose a bank slightly larger than the current one with drainage holes.
- Add some fresh, well-draining potting mix to the bottom of the pot and gently remove the tree from its current pot.
- Place the tree in the new pool and fill in around the roots with more potting mix.
- Water your tree well and place it in a sunny spot.
How to Grow Frangipani
You’ll need a sunny spot in your yard and well-drained soil to grow a frangipani tree. Frangipanis are drought-tolerant once established, so you won’t need to water them too often. When planting, space the trees at least 10 feet apart, so they have room to grow.
- Frangipani trees can be propagated from seed or cuttings. If you’re growing from seed, it’s best to start them indoors in pots since they can take up to two years to germinate.
- For cuttings, look for healthy stems at least 6 inches long with several leaves. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node. Dip the cut end in the rooting hormone, then plant it in a pot of moistened soil. Keep the cutting moist and in a warm spot until new growth appears, which can take several weeks.
Where to Plant your Frangipani
Frangipanis need full sun to thrive, so pick a spot in your garden with at least six hours of sunlight daily. They also prefer well-drained soil, so if your garden is prone to flooding or has heavy clay soil, you might want to consider planting your frangipani in a pot instead.
It is best to plant in a place sheltered from strong winds, as frangipanis are relatively fragile plants and can be easily damaged by wind gusts. If you live in an area with hurricanes or tropical storms, finding a sheltered spot for your frangipani is essential.
What Frangipanis Need to Grow
There are two types of frangipanis, and they’re both relatively easy to grow. The first type is the Plumeria Rubra, characterized by its red flowers. The second type is called the Plumeria pudica, with white or yellow flowers. Frangipani trees can grow up to 20 feet tall, typically between 10 and 15 feet tall.
What Colour will my Frangipani be? 
One of the most common questions people ask about frangipani trees is their flowers’ colour. The answer to this question depends on your frangipani tree species. Some species, like the Plumeria Rubra, only come in one colour – red. However, other species, like the Plumeria obtusa, can come in various colours, including white, pink, yellow and red.
A Common Disease that Infects Frangipani
Trees are root-rot, stem and leaf blight. These diseases are often caused by over-watering or poor drainage.
- To avoid these diseases, it is essential to plant frangipani trees in well-draining soil and not overwater them. If you notice any of these symptoms on your frangipani tree,
Leaves turning yellow
One of the most common problems with frangipani trees is that the leaves turn yellow and fall off. This is usually due to a lack of water or nutrients. If you think your tree is affected by this, water it regularly and fertilize it with a high-quality fertilizer. You can also try to increase the humidity around the tree by misting it with water or placing a humidifier near it.
If you live in an area with high temperatures, your frangipani tree may be suffering from heat stress. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off as well.
Smart Tip about Frangipani
If you live in an area with cold winters, planting your frangipani tree in a pot to bring it indoors during the colder months is best. In general, you should water your frangipani tree once a week. However, if you live in a hot, dry climate, you may need to water your frangipani tree more often.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does frangipani smell like?
Frangipani has a sweet, flowery smell that is often used in perfumes. The scent of frangipani is uplifting and calming, and it is often used in aromatherapy to help relieve stress.
Which part of frangipani is poisonous?
The bark, leaves, and flowers of the frangipani plant are poisonous.
The sap from the branches is a skin and eye irritant. Handling the plant may cause a skin rash or dermatitis. Ingesting any plant can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases may also experience seizures, respiratory failure, and even death.
What is the lifespan of frangipani?
Some frangipani varieties can reach up to 50 years, while others have a lifespan of just 10-15 years.
The key to keeping your frangipani alive for as long as possible is to keep it well-watered (but not soggy) and to fertilize it regularly during the growing season. Frangipanis respond well to high nitrogen levels, so a balanced fertilizer with a high nitrogen content is ideal.
Does frangipani have deep roots?
Yes, frangipani does have deep roots. The root system of frangipani can grow up to six feet deep and spread out over a large area. This extensive root system helps the tree absorb water and nutrients from the soil and makes the tree resistant to drought and other weather conditions.
How long does it take for a frangipani cutting to flower?
It takes about three years for frangipani to cut to flower.
Frangipani (Plumeria) is a tropical tree that flowers throughout the year. Flowers are used in making leis and necklaces in Hawaii. The trees grow best in full sun and well-drained soils. They can be propagated from stem cuttings from new growth during the spring or summer months. It usually takes about three years for frangipani to cut to flower.
