Plumeria, often known as Frangipani, is a tropical flowering plant beloved for its stunning, fragrant blooms and its symbolic association with relaxation, beauty, and the tropics. Native to Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, plumeria has spread across the world and become a gardening favorite in warm climates and container collections.

Botanical Overview

• Genus: Plumeria
• Family: Apocynaceae (dogbane family)
• Common Names: Frangipani, Temple Tree
• Growth Habit: Deciduous shrub or small tree, typically 6–20 feet tall (or taller in-ground)
• USDA Zones: Best suited to Zones 10–11; container-grown in colder zones

Plumeria are prized for their dramatic floral displays, with flowers ranging from creamy whites and yellows to vivid pinks, reds, and even multi-colored rainbows. Blooms typically appear from spring to fall, depending on climate and care.

Unique Features

• Highly fragrant flowers—often used in leis, perfumes, and religious ceremonies
• Succulent branches that store water and give a distinctive, sculptural look
• Wide variety of cultivars—many with unique names, colors, petal shapes, and fragrances
• Easy propagation from cuttings, making it ideal for home growers

Is It a Tree, Shrub, or Succulent?

Plumeria is technically a tropical deciduous shrub or small tree, but it shares many traits with succulents, such as thick, water-storing stems and a need for fast-draining soil. It sheds its leaves in winter and enters dormancy, a process that helps it conserve moisture and energy during the cooler months.

Where Can Plumeria Grow?

Plumeria thrives in:

• Tropical and subtropical zones where frost is rare
• Pots and In The Ground that should be protected in winter
• Microclimates like patios, greenhouses, or sunlit windows in cooler areas

Why Beginners Love Plumeria

• Low maintenance once established
• Drought-tolerant with proper care
• Visually striking and easy to shape
• Thousands of cultivars to choose from, each with unique flowers and scent

Whether you’re growing plumeria from a cutting or buying a rooted plant, it’s one of the most rewarding plants for beginners looking to grow tropical beauty at home.

Next: Choosing the Right Plumeria for You

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