Plumeria Care for Maximum Bloom

Providing plumeria care as I have laid it out below will give your frangipani plants "flower power".

The first plumeria was introduced to Hawaii by Dr. William Hillebrand in 1860. Its yellow-white flowers quickly drew the world's attention. Botanists began scouring the tropics for other kinds and colors.

An evergreen plumeria was found in Singapore in 1931. A red flowered variety was discovered in Mexico at about the same time. Hybridizers have been cross pollinating frangipani from that day to this one in the quest to produce different flower colors and forms.

Plumeria grow into large, gorgeous trees when planted in the ground in Hawaii or Singapore. But, let's face it, container grown plumeria are pretty ugly when out of bloom. For temperate zone collectors, it's all about the blooms. We want our frangipani to begin blooming early, flower prolifically, and bloom for months on end. This is the kind of plumeria care that will help you achieve this:

1. Do not over water. Over watering can cause bud drop, especially in young plants. Old, established trees tolerate over watering better.

2. Prune only immediately after flowering. This way you don't risk removing buds that were just about to emerge.

3. Feed your plumeria a high phosphorous fertilizer. Extra phosphorous will cause the plant to produce more and larger flowers. You could use a 10-30-10 formula or mix super phosphate into the potting soil. Spraying occasionally with an Epsom salt solution (1 teaspoon in a quart of water) will provide a boost. Begin feeding when the leaves first emerge in the spring. Stop once the plant begins to defoliate in the fall.

The most important aspect of plumeria care for maximum bloom is choosing the right cultivar. P. Rubra cultivars will begin blooming in January in Hawaii and March in California, Texas, and Florida. Some cultivars will bloom for 6 months. Some of the Singapore obtusa varieties will bloom year round, resting briefly between flushes.

Where you are on the planet affects how much bloom you can get. Plumerias growing near the equator can bloom for more than 7 months at a stretch. While high altitudes, higher than average rainfall and reduced sunlight all result in fewer flowers.

Growing Plumeria

Growing plumeria is addictive and you will soon be looking to propagate your frangipani plant. This is possible with stem cuttings or by sowing seeds.

Frangipani Plumeria Uses

Frangipani plumeria uses are many. Since the 16th century when the frangipani flower was discovered, people have been finding ways to enhance their lives with the marvelous fragrance of the blooms.

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