Plumeria obtusa, the most fragrant of frangipani trees
Plumeria obtusa
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Genus
- Frangipani Plumeria
- Species
- Plumeria obtusa
Other names:Plumeria obtusa var. typica, Plumeria apiculata, Plumeria bahamensis, Plumeria cuneifolia, Plumeria multiflora
Looking for the most fragrant frangipani? Go for Plumeria obtusa! According to specialists, this species, which grows wild from Mexico to Honduras, produces the most fragrant flowers.
How to recognize Plumeria obtusa?
A flowering shrub with a spreading, rounded habit, Plumeria obtusa grows to between five and ten meters in height in its natural habitat. When grown elsewhere or in pots, however, it reaches a maximum height of three meters and a spread of 2.5 meters.
Unlike Plumeria rubra and Plumeria alba, Plumeria obtusa has semi-evergreen foliage: it doesn't disappear during the dry season. The lanceolate leaves are dark green and glossy. Slightly leathery, they are streaked with light green.
The almost round, five-petaled flowers bloom in bouquets. They are usually white with a yellow heart. However, some cultivars have pink or yellow flowers. Plumeria obtusa is often considered the most fragrant of frangipani trees. Its waxy flowers give off a powerful scent of vanilla and almond.
Is Plumeria obtusa toxic?
The sap of Plumeria obtusa, which runs off as a white latex when pruned, is toxic. It causes irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. The plant is also toxic if ingested: it causes digestive disorders if its leaves are swallowed. Keep your frangipani away from pets, and wear gloves when pruning or repotting!
The flowers, on the other hand, are edible. They are sometimes used to garnish dishes and pastries.
Our care tips
Plumeria obtusa is an outdoor plant that needs plenty of light, at least 6 hours of sun a day, to thrive. On the other hand, it is sensitive to cold.
If temperatures fall below 10°C in your area, grow your plant in a pot. This way, you can easily bring it into a conservatory, heated greenhouse or bright interior during the winter.
Watering
Water your plant when the surface of the substrate is dry to the extent of three centimeters.
Use non-calcareous water at room temperature, such as rainwater or filtered mains water.
After watering, drain off any water that collects in the saucer or planter. It can rot the roots.
Misting
In nature, plumeria obtusa benefits from a high degree of humidity. Spray your Plumeria obtusa withrainwater to improve humidity and prevent pest infestation.
Don' t use hard water, such as tap water. It leaves white spots on the foliage.
Repotting
Plumeria obtusa need a light, perfectly draining substrate. We recommend using :
- 2/3 potting soil for cacti and succulents or Mediterranean plants;
- 1/3 perlite or sand.
Choose a pierced pot, slightly larger than the previous one. A terracotta pot is ideal for aeration and substrate drying.
Fill the pot, install your Plumeria obtusa, tamp gently and water to help the plant take root.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Plumeria obtusa, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Apply a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants every two weeks to encourage flowering.
Prune
Remove wilted flowers. Cut at the base of the stem with a clean, sharp tool, or remove them by pulling with your hands.
Pruning is not necessary. Moreover, too severe pruning prevents summer flowering.
If you wish to control shape or development, prune gradually: part one year, the rest the following year.
Planting
When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.
Soak the root ball of your Plumeria obtusa to rehydrate it. Meanwhile, dig a hole at least 50 cm deep and wide and remove weeds, roots and stones.
Plant your Plumeria obtusa, making sure that the collar is level with the ground. Fill in with garden soil enriched with compost. If you're planting several specimens, space them at least three meters apart.
Mulch to protect from the cold and water to encourage rooting.
Taking cuttings
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Select a healthy, vigorous stem. Take a section about 20 cm long, cutting just below a node.
Run the cutting under water to stop the latex leaking out. Remove all leaves so that the plant can concentrate its energy on rooting.
Leave the cutting to dry for 1-2 weeks, until the wound has healed.
In a pierced pot, pour a light substrate composed of :
- 2/3 potting soil for cacti, succulents or Mediterranean plants
- 1/3 perlite
Moisten the substrate by spraying. Make a pre-hole with your finger or a stick, then insert the cutting.
Place in a well-lit spot, at a temperature of at least 25°C. Keep the substrate slightly but not excessively moist.
When the first leaves appear, the cutting has taken root. You can then reduce watering and grow your Plumeria obtusa as a mature plant.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the most fragrant frangipani?
According to specialists, Plumeria obtusa is the most fragrant frangipani. Some cultivars, such as 'Singapore', have a particularly powerful sweet fragrance.
What does frangipani smell like?
Frangipani flowers give off a delicate, sweet and bewitching fragrance, often reminiscent of almond, vanilla or certain jasmines. The intensity of the scent is strongest in the evening and can vary according to the variety and age of the flower.
Can frangipani (Plumeria) be grown indoors or outdoors?
The frangipani is an outdoor plant that loves light and space. In colder regions, grow it in pots so that it can be stored in a veranda or greenhouse during the winter.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Exposure
- Sun
- Substrates
- Humus soilSandy soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Tags
- FloweryCold-sensitiveToxicEdible flower
- Origin
- Central America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Leaf color
- Dark green
- Flower colors
- WhiteRoseYellow
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