Frangipanis are hardy and very forgiving, making them ideal for novice gardeners who may neglect their plants. Frangipanis, also known as plumeria, are tropical and subtropical small trees and shrubs. They are mainly deciduous, but a few evergreen varieties exists, such as Plumeria obtusa. A favourite amongst many gardeners due to their heavenly scented flowers and lush green foliage. They come in a large variety of colours from the classic white with yellow centre to pinks to dark reds. Frangipanis are used to make hawaiian leis and they also make great cut flowers.

Botanical name: Plumeria

Height: 15-20 ft / 5-6 m

Spacing: 12-15 ft / 3.5-5 m

Bloom time: Late-Spring to Autumn.

Foliage: Simple, smooth edged leaves.

Soil: Prefers well draining soil but can be grown in any type of soil.

Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours per day), but will still do well in part-shade.

Water: Water deeply in warmer, growing months and keep dry during winter. You can let nature water your frangipanis in winter, or if they’re kept indoors water once every 3-4 weeks.

When to plant: Plant cuttings in winter, when the sap movement is at it’s least. Seeds can be germinated at any time and should be kept in in bright, indirect sunlight.

How to plant: From cutting: Take a piece of hardwood (the part of the branch that is greyish, not the green part!) about 1 ft / 30 cm long and leave it to dry in the sun for one or two weeks. Dip the bottom end of the cutting into rooting hormone (optional) then stick the cutting into the soil 4-6 in / 10-15 cm deep. Water in well then don’t water again until the soil is dry, about every 2 weeks. From seeds: Hold the seed by it’s wing and plunge it into some pre-wetted seed raising potting mix then pinch the soil around the seed to ensure good soil contact to the seed. Keep seeds moist but not wet. Once the seedlings are rooted (look at the bottom of your pot/seedling tray for roots) transplant to a 6 in / 15 cm pot. If the seedlings were propagated inside, harden off over a few weeks before moving them outside. It’s probably best to keep them in a semi-shaded position for the first couple of years before planting them in the full sun.

Suggested soil: 2/3 potting mix, 1/3 perlite. You can optionally add some organic fertiliser to the soil mix.

Fertilising: Early spring and summer with a high phosphate or complete, organic fertiliser such as animal manure, fire ash and compost.

Seed collecting: Allow seed pods to dry on the plant and the seeds to fall from the pod. You can cover the pod with panty hose or a laundry bag to collect the seeds.

Pests & Diseases: Rust - yellow pustules on the underside of the leaf. Combat with a copper based spray. Root rot - from wet feet, too much water. Powdery mildew can be treated with a mix of powdered milk and detergent in water and sprayed over affected areas.

Tips:

• When buying frangipanis, wait until flowering season so you can pick your desired colour. Another option is to visit specialist nurseries.
• Plant deciduous frangipanis with winter flowering plants to fill with alternate colour while the frangipani is bare.
• When in doubt whether your frangipani needs watering, wait a week.
• Frangipanis can be grown in pots!