Growing Your Franigipani
Your Frangipani/Plumeria will arrive as a rooted cutting or a grafted plant. It will be approximately 30cm to 40cm tall and slightly bare rooted. The roots have been packed in damp sphagnum moss for shipping.
Frangipanis in Pots
Our suggestion is remove the moss and pot-up in a 20cm black plastic pot with a well draining potting mix (cactus or rose potting mix is ideal). The leaves have been trimmed to prevent stress. It is recommended that the only fertilizer that can be mixed in the potting soil is an “osmocote” type (slow release). Water in and keep the plant in a light shaded, warm place until it has at least two full leaves. When the new leaves emerge, spray a complete fertilizer on the leaves and into the root zone. We recommend “Miracle Grow” (use as instructed on the packet).
Next spring you can plant out in the garden as your Frangipani/Plumeria will have a good strong root system and have put on good growth and should be ready to flower. If not planting out in the garden and you want to leave in a pot, just up-size to a larger pot, say 30cm to 35cm, using the same method as you’re first potting.
Frangipanis are drought proof
Frangipani’s/Plumeria’s are native to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean area. Therefore they are very drought proof and require very little water, making them very suitable to the harsh Australian climate. Too much water will induce growth and prevent the flowering process.
Frangipanis need a good fertilizer
Frangipani’s/Plumeria’s are gross feeders and like a well drained composted soil. Being fed a good fertilizer high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen and potassium. Over the years we have found a mix that promotes steady, healthy growth and lots of colourful flowers.
We mix:
2 parts super phosphate granules
2 parts sulphate of potash granules and
1 part blood and bone (granular or powder).
Mix well and spread liberally over the root zone of your tree and water in. Do this in spring, summer and early autumn.
Frangipanis - Reading List
Books worth reading on growing and looking after your Frangipani/Plumeria is:
- “Growing Plumerias in Hawaii” by Jim Little.
- “Frangipani” by Linda Ross, Lorna Rose, John Stowar (Highly recommended for Australian conditions)
- “The Handbook on Plumeria Culture” by Richard and Mary Helen Eggenberger
These can be ordered in by a book shop if not in stock. For more growing and propagating tips click on our “useful links” and click on any of the web sites.
Frangipani Resources
The Plumeria Society of America (PSA) have many good articles you can download free on propagating Frangipani’s/Plumeria’s, fertilizing Frangipani’s/Plumeria’s, pests and diseases effecting your Frangipani or Plumeria, raising Frangipani’s/Plumeria’s from seed.
They also have a library of photos of all named Frangipani’s/Plumeria’s including one of our own named seedlings “K J Booker”.
We at Frangipani Farm Australia are here to help you grow a tree that will awaken your senses with its blossoms of colours, fragrances, shapes and foliage. So please contact us if you need our help.
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