plumerias

Plumeria, commonly known as frangipani, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae. Named after the French botanist Charles Plumier, the genus includes several species and numerous cultivated hybrids. The flowers are highly fragrant and widely grown as ornamentals. The name frangipani is also linked to a perfume historically used in Europe.

Native to tropical Americas, from the Caribbean to northern South America, plumerias are now cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Hawaii, the Pacific islands, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. They are typically grown as small trees or shrubs.

Plumerias are deciduous or semi-evergreen with milky sap. Leaves are large, opposite, simple, and smooth-edged. The inflorescences are terminal panicles bearing five-petaled, waxy flowers, usually very fragrant. Colors range from white to yellow, pink, or red, often in multi-color combinations. Flowers appear in clusters and are followed by small fruit pods containing seeds.

They require warm, sunny conditions and well-drained soil. They tolerate drought but are sensitive to frost. In temperate climates they are grown as annuals or brought indoors during winter; in tropical zones they can bloom year-round with adequate warmth. Propagation is commonly by cuttings; pruning is used to shape the plant and encourage flowering. Fertilization should be light, as excessive nitrogen can delay flowering.

Plumerias are widely used in landscape design and as container plants. The blossoms are used in leis in Hawaii and other Pacific cultures and are valued in perfumery. All parts of the plant contain latex and can cause skin irritation or, if ingested, be toxic; handling with gloves is common. Pests such as mealybugs, scale, and spider mites, and diseases like root rot or plumeria rust may affect cultivated plants.