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 place, or even its distinct appearance. Some names carry cultural significance, while others simply reflect the vision of the person who created the plant.

In this article, we’ll take a light-hearted look at the fascinating stories behind a few popular plumeria cultivar names. We’ll explore how certain names relate to the plant’s characteristics, how some names honor people and places, and how naming conventions in the plumeria world can help collectors identify the origin of the plant.

1. Names After People: Honoring Hybridizers and Loved Ones

Many plumeria cultivars are named after people, whether they are the hybridizers who created the plant or someone the breeder wants to honor. These names serve as a tribute to individuals who made significant contributions to the world of plumeria cultivation.

Example: ‘Bill Moragne’

• Named After the Hybridizer: The ‘Bill Moragne’ cultivar is named after the renowned Hawaiian plumeria breeder Bill Moragne Sr. (and later, his son Bill Moragne Jr.), who was instrumental in developing many of the plumeria varieties in Hawaii. This hybrid is known for its vibrant red flowers and is a nod to the Moragne family’s legacy in the plumeria world.

Other Examples of People-Inspired Names:

• ‘Daisy Wilcox’: Named after a beloved individual in the Hawaiian plumeria community, this cultivar has yellow flowers and is often used for leis.
• ‘John Moragne’: Another cultivar named after Bill Moragne Sr., paying tribute to the family’s contributions to plumeria breeding.

These personalized names are a way to honor those who contributed to the plumeria community or made an impact on the life of the hybridizer.

2. Names Based on Appearance: Descriptive and Beautiful

Some plumeria cultivars are named for their appearance, often using descriptive words that highlight the color, form, or pattern of the flowers. These names give gardeners and collectors an immediate idea of what to expect from the plant.

Example: ‘Firestorm’

• Named for the Appearance: The name ‘Firestorm’ is a fitting description of the plant’s fiery red-orange flowers, which resemble a storm of color. This cultivar is known for its vivid, bold blooms and striking contrast, making it one of the most attention-grabbing plumerias.

Example: ‘Rainbow’

• Named for Colorful Flowers: ‘Rainbow’ is a cultivar that features multi-colored flowers, ranging from yellow to orange to pink. The name perfectly captures the vibrant, rainbow-like quality of the blooms, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for color diversity in their plumeria collection.

3. Names Inspired by Places: Geographical and Cultural Significance

Plumeria cultivars are sometimes named after places, whether it’s a city, a region, or a cultural reference. These names serve as a way to celebrate the origins of the cultivar or pay homage to the geographic significance of the plant.

Example: ‘Singapore White’ (P. obtusa)

• Named for a Place: The name ‘Singapore White’ is inspired by the country of Singapore, where Plumeria obtusa is commonly found. This cultivar is famous for its elegant white flowers and is often referred to as the “Singapore plumeria” in gardens across the world.

Example: ‘Hawaiian Flag’

• Named for Hawaiian Heritage: Some plumeria varieties are named after Hawaii, where plumerias are an iconic symbol of the islands. ‘Hawaiian Rainbow’ is one such cultivar, chosen for its ability to produce a rainbow of colors, just as the state of Hawaii is known for its vibrant, colorful culture and landscapes.

These place-based names help remind us of the historical roots of plumeria plants and their significance in different parts of the world.

4. Prefixes and Notable Naming Conventions in Plumeria Cultivation

In addition to the traditional and descriptive names, there are some naming conventions used in the plumeria world that can help you identify the origin of a cultivar or the nursery where it was created. These prefixes often give you clues about where the plant was bred or who was responsible for its cultivation.

Prefix Examples:

• ‘JJ’ = Jungle Jack’s Introductions: Plumeria cultivars with the ‘JJ’ prefix come from the well-known Jungle Jack’s Plumeria nursery in Thailand and California. This nursery has been responsible for introducing some highly regarded hybrids to the plumeria market, including ‘JJ’s Pink’ and ‘JJ’s Red’.
• ‘JL’ = Jim Little Farms: The ‘JL’ prefix is used for plumeria cultivars. The ‘JL‘ prefix comes from Jim Little Farms nursery located in Hawaii. This nursery has been responsible for introducing some high-quality hybrids, including ‘JL Doric’ and ‘JL Hawaiian Fire‘.
• ‘FCN’ = Florida Colors Nursery: Plumeria cultivars with the FCN’ prefix come from the well-known Florida Colors Nursey located in Florida. This nursery has been responsible for introducing some highly regarded hybrids to the plumeria market, including ‘FCN’s Camelot’ and ‘FCN’s Luc’s Magnum Opus’.

These prefixes facilitate the identification of cultivars’ origins and the determination of which nursery or breeder was responsible for their creation.

5. Conclusion: The Fascinating Stories Behind Plumeria Cultivar Names

Plumeria cultivars come with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and personal stories behind their names. Whether they’re named after a beloved person, descriptive flower traits, or a geographical location, each name has a unique significance that adds to the story of the plant.

For plumeria enthusiasts, understanding these naming conventions enhances the experience of collecting and growing these beautiful plants. From hybridizer tributes to place-based inspiration, the names of plumeria cultivars provide an additional layer of appreciation for the heritage and diversity of plumeria.