The Alluring Plumeria: Beauty and Fragrance

Overview

Each year, growers in Hawaii harvest millions of plumeria blossoms, most of which are used to create vibrant leis. Many people who wear these fragrant garlands assume that plumeria is native to the Hawaiian Islands, but this is not the case. Despite its strong cultural association with Hawaii since the 19th century, plumeria actually originates from tropical regions of the Americas, ranging from Mexico through northern South America and the Caribbean islands.

In its natural environment, plumeria thrives in dry, scrubby forests. Over time, it has been introduced to warm regions across the globe, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, where it is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. Also called frangipani, it is favored in landscaping for the remarkable diversity in flower color, size, and fragrance.

The plant’s rich scent is most noticeable at night, coinciding with the activity of its primary pollinators—moths. Interestingly, although the fragrance attracts them, plumeria flowers do not produce nectar. The scent is instead generated by small structures beneath the flower buds. Even so, moths often probe the flowers deeply enough to transfer pollen.

Growth Pattern

Plumerias grow as large shrubs or small trees, with some specimens reaching up to 20 feet (about 6 meters) in both height and width. Their branching structure is typically open and rounded, with leaves and flowers concentrated at the ends of the branches.

While certain varieties, such as Plumeria obtusa, retain their leaves year-round, most species experience a dormant phase during which they stop flowering and shed their leaves.

Characteristics

The leaves of plumeria are long, thick, and leathery, with a deep green color. They cluster densely at the tips of the branches. From early summer until autumn, groups of flowers with five petals bloom among the foliage. These blossoms are large, highly fragrant, and come in a range of colors including white, cream, yellow, pink, lilac, and red.

Like other members of the dogbane family, plumerias produce a milky latex when their tissues are cut. This sap is thick and toxic; although its bitter taste usually prevents accidental ingestion, it can cause irritation on sensitive skin.

Cultivation

In climates that are sufficiently warm, plumerias can fill gardens with their strong, pleasant fragrance. They perform best in hot, dry environments with plenty of sunlight.

In cooler regions, they are often grown in containers so they can be moved indoors during the winter months. Gardeners can either buy established potted plants or propagate new ones from cuttings. When using cuttings, it is important to allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for about a week before planting it upright in soil.