Plumeria — also called Frangipani — produces some of the most beautiful and fragrant flowers in the tropical world. Those intoxicating blooms you remember from Hawaiian leis? You can grow them right in your Florida yard. Plumeria thrives throughout South and Central Florida with minimal care.
Where Plumeria Grows in Florida
- ✓Zone 10b-11 (South Florida): Grows year-round outdoors, rarely any cold damage
- ✓Zone 10a (SW Florida, Tampa coastal): Thrives outdoors, minor cold damage in rare freezes
- ✓Zone 9b (Central Florida): Grows well but may defoliate or need protection in freezes
- ✓Zone 9a and colder: Can grow in containers brought indoors for winter
Best Plumeria Varieties for Florida
- ✓Plumeria rubra: Classic variety with pink, red, yellow, or multi-colored flowers
- ✓Plumeria obtusa (Singapore): Evergreen variety, white flowers with yellow center, slightly more cold tolerant
- ✓Celadine: Bright yellow, prolific bloomer, excellent for Florida
- ✓Samoan Fluff: Large white flowers with intense fragrance
- ✓JL Rainbow: Stunning multi-colored blooms — pink, yellow, orange blend
Planting and Care
- ✓Sun: Full sun — 6-8 hours minimum for best blooming
- ✓Soil: Very well-draining — mix 50% potting soil with 50% perlite for containers
- ✓Water: Water when soil is dry — plumeria prefer to dry out between waterings
- ✓Fertilizer: High phosphorus fertilizer (10-50-10 or similar) promotes blooming
- ✓Pruning: Minimal — prune to shape in spring before new growth begins
Plumeria Winter Care in Florida
In Central Florida, plumeria drop their leaves in winter and go dormant. This is normal — do not water dormant plumeria. The bare branches will leaf out again in spring. In South Florida, plumeria may retain leaves year-round, especially the Singapore (obtusa) variety.
Freeze Protection: If a hard freeze is forecast, drape frost cloth over your plumeria and place an incandescent light bulb underneath to generate warmth. Alternatively, pot small plumeria and bring them into a garage or covered lanai during cold snaps.
Propagating Plumeria from Cuttings
One of the best things about plumeria is how easily they propagate from cuttings. Take a 12-18 inch cutting from a healthy branch, let it dry for 5-7 days until the cut end calluses, then plant in well-draining soil. Do not water for the first 2-3 weeks. New roots will form within 4-8 weeks in Florida's warmth.
- ✓Best time to take cuttings: Spring (March-May)
- ✓Let cuttings dry 5-7 days before planting
- ✓Use a well-draining soil mix — pure perlite works for rooting
- ✓No water for the first 2-3 weeks — overwatering causes rot
- ✓Expect blooms from cuttings in 1-2 years
Looking for established plumeria plants? Florida Palm and Plant Co. carries blooming-size plumeria seasonally. Call (239) 799-5594 to check availability.