Articles
Origins of Plumeria: Species, Hybrids, and the History of Cultivars Plumeria plants are a beloved part of tropical and subtropical landscapes, renowned for their fragrant flowers and vibrant colors. But where did these stunning plants come from? The history of plumeria spans centuries, starting with the wild species native to the tropics and evolving into […]
Cultivar or Variety? Understanding Correct Terminology When it comes to plumeria breeding and cultivation, the terms “cultivar” and “variety” are often used interchangeably. However, these terms refer to distinct concepts in the world of plant science. Understanding the difference between a cultivar and a botanical variety is essential for any plumeria enthusiast, breeder, or gardener. […]
Sub Categories
Where in the World Are Plumerias Native? (A Look at Plumeria’s Wild Home) Plumeria plants are cherished worldwide for their fragrant flowers and tropical beauty, but their origins trace back to specific regions in the Americas. Although plumeria is now associated with places like Hawaii and Polynesia, the plant’s native home is in Mexico, Central […]
Meet the Species: A Guide to Different Plumeria Species and Their Traits Plumeria plants are a key element of many tropical gardens, admired for their stunning blooms and diverse traits. While plumeria is often associated with a variety of cultivars, it’s important to understand the foundational species that serve as the building blocks of hybrid […]
From the Jungle to Your Garden: How Plumeria Species Were Collected and Spread Plumeria plants, with their stunning flowers and sweet fragrance, have become synonymous with tropical beauty. But their journey from wild species in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean to the gardens and temples of the world is a fascinating tale of discovery, […]
Wild vs. Cultivated: Differences Between Species Plants and Hybrids Plumeria plants are beloved for their stunning flowers, but not all plumerias are the same. There’s a marked difference between wild species plumerias—those found naturally in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world—and the cultivated hybrids that have been selectively bred by horticulturists and enthusiasts. […]
Conservation of Plumeria Species: Are Wild Plumerias Endangered? Plumeria plants are widely adored for their stunning fragrant flowers and vibrant blooms, but there’s more to plumeria than just the cultivated varieties we grow in gardens around the world. The wild species of plumeria, which are native to regions like Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, […]
Heirloom Plumerias: Classic Cultivars with a History Plumeria plants have a long history, both in their native habitats and in cultivation around the world. Some of the oldest and most cherished plumeria varieties, known as heirlooms, have played a key role in the development of the modern plumeria hybrids we know today. These classic cultivars […]
Family Trees: Tracing the Lineage of Modern Plumeria Cultivars Plumeria hybridization is an art form that combines genetics, patience, and intentional breeding to create new, unique plants. Whether you’re a casual plumeria grower or an aspiring breeder, understanding the family trees of modern plumeria cultivars is essential for appreciating how desirable traits like flower color, […]
The Moragne Legacy: How Hawaii’s Famous Plumeria Line Shaped Modern Cultivars Plumeria plants are adored for their fragrant blooms and vibrant colors, but one of the key driving forces behind the development of today’s plumeria cultivars is the pioneering work of the Moragne family in Hawaii. Bill Moragne Sr., along with his son, Bill Moragne […]
From Seedling to Award Winner: The Journey of a New Cultivar Every plumeria cultivar starts with a single seedling—an unassuming plant that is one among many, yet holds the potential to become a popular, award-winning variety. The journey from a seedling to a named cultivar that receives recognition within the Plumeria Society of America (PSA) […]
Cultivar Naming Stories: The Meaning Behind the Names Plumeria enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the beautiful flowers and exquisite fragrances of plumeria cultivars, but have you ever wondered about the stories behind their names? Each plumeria cultivar has a unique story about how it was named, whether it’s inspired by the hybridizer, a specific […]
Hawaiian vs. Thai Plumerias: A Comparison of Cultivars by Region Plumeria plants, often associated with tropical beauty, have evolved in different regions of the world, each contributing to the diversity of flower colors, sizes, and shapes. The breeding of plumeria cultivars has taken distinct paths in Hawaii, Thailand, and Australia, each region fostering unique traits […]
of plumeria enthusiasts.The Jungle Jack Era: How California Breeders Expanded Plumeria Color Palettes In the world of plumeria breeding, Jungle Jack’s Plumerias, founded in 1995 by John and Christina Ingwersen, is a name that stands out. The nursery, located in North San Diego County, California, started as a personal garden collection of plumeria plants, growing […]
The Florida Colors Nursery Influence: How Florida Colors Nursery Expanded Plumeria Color Palettes Since its establishment, Florida Colors Nursery (FCN) has made significant contributions to the world of plumeria, particularly through its hybridization efforts that have greatly expanded the plumeria color palette. Founded by Luc and Carol Vannoorbeeck in Florida, FCN became a cornerstone in […]
Tex and Kay Norwood: Joining Florida Colors Nursery in 2012 and Their Contributions In 2012, Tex and Kay Norwood joined Florida Colors Nursery (FCN), becoming key figures in the continued success and growth of the plumeria breeding program. Their partnership with Luc and Carol Vannoorbeeck marked a new chapter for the nursery, with their combined […]
Plumeria Around the World: Notable Cultivars from Different Countries Plumeria plants have made their mark on gardens and landscapes across the globe, with different countries developing their own unique cultivars that showcase the beauty, fragrance, and diversity of this beloved flower. Whether from the tropical islands of Hawaii, the vibrant gardens of Thailand, or the […]
Local Legends: The Signature Plumeria Cultivars of Various Regions Plumeria plants are cherished around the world, and every region has its own signature cultivars that are grown everywhere and are often considered local treasures. These cultivars—which range from traditional varieties to modern hybrids—often hold deep cultural significance and are passed down through generations, becoming iconic […]
The Jim Little Legacy: How Little Plumeria Farms Shaped Modern Cultivars In the world of plumeria breeding, few names have had as profound an impact as Jim Little. Founder of Little Plumeria Farms in Haleiwa, Hawaii, Jim’s innovative approach to hybridization has led to the creation of some of the most beloved and unique plumeria […]
Breeding Plumerias in Europe: Challenges and Successes Plumeria plants are usually associated with the tropical and subtropical climates of regions like Hawaii, Mexico, and Thailand, where they thrive in the warmth and full sun. However, in places like Europe, particularly the Mediterranean, growing plumeria presents a unique set of challenges. While plumerias can be successfully […]
How Plumerias Get Their Names: The Rules and Traditions Naming a plumeria cultivar is an important part of the breeding process, as it not only serves to identify the plant but also often carries with it a deeper personal significance or honor. Whether it’s named after the breeder, a loved one, or due to its […]
Registered vs. Unregistered Plumeria Names: Why Registration Matters When it comes to the world of plumeria cultivation, naming a new cultivar is just the beginning of a long journey. While many plumeria plants in circulation are given names, not all of them are officially registered with the Plumeria Society of America (PSA), the International Cultivar […]
Decoding Plumeria Name Abbreviations (JL, JJ, FC, etc.) If you’re a plumeria enthusiast, you’ve likely encountered a list of plumeria cultivars with abbreviated names like ‘JL’, ‘JJ’, or ‘FC or FCN’ prior to or after the Cultivar name. These abbreviations are often used by breeders to identify the origin or creator of a particular cultivar. […]
Can I Name My Own Plumeria Seedling? (Guide to Naming and Sharing New Cultivars) One of the most exciting aspects of growing plumeria from seed is the opportunity to create a new cultivar—a plumeria plant with its own unique traits, colors, and fragrance. Whether you’ve nurtured a seedling that stands out for its vibrant blooms […]
Plumeria AKA List 2025 (Confirmed and Assumed) Plumeria Cultivar AKA Master Reference Introduction Plumeria cultivars are known worldwide by a dazzling variety of names, including trade names, breeder codes, regional labels, and community nicknames. This document provides a unified, authoritative reference to AKA (Also Known As) names for plumeria cultivars, consolidating over 1,000 entries drawn […]
Plumeria Cultivar Lineages (Verified Parentage and Progeny) This document compiles verified lineage information for selected plumeria cultivars. Each cultivar is listed with confirmed parents, children, and grandchildren (where applicable), based on credible public sources. Cultivars without any known lineage details are omitted. All relationships (parent, child, grandchild) are supported by references to reliable sources. Abigail […]
About Lineage of Modern Plumeria Cultivars Understanding the lineage of modern plumeria cultivars is both a science and an art. While some plumeria crosses are well-documented and registered, many popular cultivars today are the result of open pollination, presumed hybrid ancestry, or breeder experimentation that dates back decades. This article explores the documented lineages, probable […]