Frangipani | Plumeria rubra - My Life in Blossom

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The fragrant Frangipani, more commonly known as the Plumeria Rubra, derives from the latin word ‘plumeria’ which stands for the Chieftain’s Daughter in the Caribbean islands, Caribbean pirates and Polynesians and ‘rubra’ which stands for a red flower or a red-tinted one. The Frangipani is known as one of the most exotic flowers which has small, spiral shaped petals featuring a range of colours from pink, white, red and even yellow reaching up to four inches in width. In tropical regions they bloom throughout the whole year without any signs of wilting and enduring extreme high temperatures.

Family

Plumeria rubra is a member of the Apocynaceae family and is a perennial tree or shrub that is deciduous in certain times of the year.

How to Plant

When it comes to planting Frangipani, it is important that you choose the right site to ensure that your Frangipani flowers grow and develop properly. This exotic flower thrives in conditions of full sun and partial shade while they should be planted in soil which provides good drainage. During summer and winter, your Frangipani requires a consistent water supply to flow and bloom. You should water your Frangipani during summer twice to three times a week, while during winter you should water it once or twice a month.

Fertilizer should only be given in the first and second year of planting and you should do it twice a year. To ensure that the Frangipani maintains its vibrant look and shine, you should use an all-purpose blooming and several other products to improve the soil retention. The ideal soil type for your Frangipani should have a pH level of 6.6 to 7.3 which is slightly acidic.

Meaning and Symbolism

Traditionally, the Frangipani has been highly regarded due to its ability to represent peace, calmness, harmony, spiritual enlightenment, power and passion. It has also been the symbol of rebirth and the symbol of mother’s love.

History, Mythology and Religious Significance

Throughout its history, the Frangipani has been associated with many different cultures in many parts of the world including India, Southeast Asia, Indonesia and Hawaii. In India, they have been used to decorate idols and temples while in Southeast Asia they have been linked to religious symbolism. In Thailand, the Frangipani flower is used in the celebration of wreaths at funeral ceremonies. In Philippines and Indonesia, the Frangipani is seen as a reminder of a loved one. In Hawaii, it has been associated with the royal royal family.

Flower Varieties and their Defining Characteristics

The most commonly grown varieties of Frangipani are the: Plumeria rubra var. rubra, which has amazing deep red petals with spots of yellow on the center; and Plumeria rubra var. acutifolia, which is a much lighter variety with white and yellow petals. The Plumeria obtusa variety features petals that are yellow and white with a deep red hue. Plumeria caracasana has bright yellow petals in the center with blush-tinged white petals on the edges. Plumeria pudica has white petals with a pale yellow center. All of these varieties can reach up to 4 inches across when in full bloom.

How to Pot and Repot

Potted Frangipani should be re-potted every couple of years in the springtime and should ideally be done in containers that are shallow and wide, with good drainage. You should also make sure that the soil you use is well aerated to make sure that your Frangipani grows properly. Make sure to prune the roots away once re-potting is done to provide the necessary circulation for growth.

How to Prune

Pruning your Frangipani is essential to encourage healthy growth. Pruning should be done only when the trees are dormant during the winter season. Care must be taken to make sure only the necessary branches are removed without shocking the tree. Pruning your Frangipani can help to improve its structure and appearance. Pruning is also essential to open up the canopy to let light and air in. You should also prune away any dead branches that may be present.

How to Propagate

Propagating your Frangipani is not a difficult task and can be done in a few easy steps. You can propagate the Frangipani using cuttings. Choose a healthy and mature stem from your Frangipani and cut it just below the node. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in well-drained soil. Water it thoroughly and make sure that it receives plenty of sunlight. In a few weeks, you will start to notice the roots forming and will be able to transplant your Frangipani.

Common Pests and Diseases

Despite being sturdy flowers, Frangipani can suffer from various pests and diseases. The most common pest to affect Frangipani is the Plumeria parasite, which is a small silverfish-type insect. It causes, the underneath side of the leaves to become yellowish and withered. Diseases that can affect Frangipani include powdery mildew, lecanium scale, root rot and leaf spot.

Three Frequently Asked Questions about Plumeria Rubra

- What is the ideal temperature for growing Frangipani?
  Frangipani is a tropical plant and can survive in temperatures between 55 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

- Can Frangipani grow inside the house?
  Yes, Frangipani is an ideal choice for growing indoors as they can survive in both favourable sunlight and artificial lighting.

How long do Frangipani flowers bloom?
Frangipani flowers bloom all year round in tropical regions if they are given the right amount of care and attention. In other parts of the world with colder climates, they may bloom anywhere between a few days to a few weeks.

Fact Sheet

Frangipani	Plumeria Rubra
Family	Apocynaceae
Plant type	Perennial
Mature size	8-20 ft tall
Sun exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil type	Well-drained, sandy loam
Soil pH	6.6 to 7.3
Bloom time	Year round in tropical regions
Flower color	White, pink, red and yellow
Hardiness zones	9-11
Native area	Mexico, Central and South America
Uses	Ornamental, leis, religious ceremonies and hair decoration