Plumeria rubra

Plumeria rubra, more commonly known as red frangipani, is a deciduous perennial plant native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Venezuela.  Prized for their enchanting blooms, red frangipani produces plump, soft, multicolored flowers comprised of five gently overlapping petals.  These exquisite blooms are typically a mixture of red, pink, white, or yellow and carry a strong fragrance that smells of rose, citrus, and cinnamon.  Leathery, long, dark green leaves grow along the red frangipani's gray succulent branches in an alternate pattern, often in clusters at the ends.  When broken, the red frangipani's branches secrete a white, milky latex that is toxic and may cause severe irritation on contact.  

Growing best in brightly lit areas, provide red frangipani with a location that receives copious amounts of direct sunshine to encourage optimal growth, though they tolerate some shade.  Well-draining, loamy soils rich in organic matter are ideal for growing red frangipani, with room for a slightly acidic pH.  Established red frangipani are rather drought tolerant, but should generally be watered an inch per week with enough time for the soil to dry out completely in-between.  During winter dormancy, outdoor plants should not be watered, and indoor plants should be watered once every 2-3 weeks.  Native to hot tropical climates, red frangipani thrive in warm, humid environments, but die quickly from frost.  Feed red frangipani with a high-phosphorous fertilizer and avoid high-nitrogen ones to encourage greater bloom quality and quantity.  Learn more in the Plant Story community!

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Plumeria Rubra

Plumeria rubra

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Ornamental

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