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 have been passed down through generations and continue to be adored for their beauty, fragrance, and cultural significance.

In this article, we’ll showcase some of the oldest named plumeria varieties and explore their fascinating backstories, from the iconic ‘Celadine’ to the legendary ‘Aztec Gold’ and ‘Singapore’. We’ll also dive into the Moragne family of hybrids, whose contribution to plumeria breeding in Hawaii has shaped the plumeria landscape for decades.

1. ‘Celadine’: The Classic Yellow Leis Flower

One of the most famous heirloom plumerias is ‘Celadine’, a yellow-flowered cultivar that has become synonymous with the leis (flower garlands) that are a staple of Hawaiian culture. ‘Celadine’ is beloved for its fragrant yellow flowers and its history as one of the first plumerias widely cultivated for commercial use in Hawaii.

Backstory and Significance:

• Introduction to Hawaii: ‘Celadine’ was possibly introduced to Hawaii long ago, and is often called the “Graveyard Yellow” because of its prevalence in cemeteries and memorial gardens in Hawaii. The cultivar’s fragrance and color made it ideal for leis and as an ornamental tree.
• Flower Characteristics: Known for its vibrant yellow blooms with a subtle fragrance, ‘Celadine’ remains one of the most recognizable and widely used plumeria cultivars in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.
• Cultural Significance: The ‘Celadine’ plumeria is often associated with tradition and Hawaiian culture, frequently used in religious ceremonies, funerals, and festivals.

Propagation and Legacy:

• As one of the earliest cultivated varieties, ‘Celadine’ is a true heirloom in plumeria breeding. While newer hybrids have overtaken it in terms of flower size and color, ‘Celadine’ is still prized for its historical value and its role in plumeria’s early commercialization.

2. ‘Aztec Gold’: The Famous Yellow from the 20th Century

Another iconic heirloom plumeria is ‘Aztec Gold’, a striking yellow-flowered variety that has been a favorite in Hawaiian gardens and beyond for decades. Introduced in the 20th century, ‘Aztec Gold’ became one of the most well-known yellow plumerias in the world.

Backstory and Significance:

• Introduced in the 1950s: ‘Aztec Gold’ was introduced in the mid-20th century and quickly became famous for its bright yellow blooms, large flowers, and long-lasting blooms. It was one of the early cultivars used for floral arrangements and leis.
• Flower Characteristics: The golden-yellow flowers of ‘Aztec Gold’ are known for their vibrancy, with a strong, sweet fragrance that remains a staple of Hawaiian gardens. It’s a highly resilient variety that can withstand harsher climates while still producing beautiful flowers.
• Influence on Breeding: ‘Aztec Gold’ has contributed to the development of modern hybrids and remains a staple for those looking to grow large-flowered, fragrant plumeria.

Legacy:

• Though newer hybrids may be more vibrantly colored or larger, ‘Aztec Gold’ remains a venerated cultivar. Its importance to the development of plumeria breeding in Hawaii and other tropical regions is undeniable, and it’s still a classic in plumeria collections.

3. ‘Singapore’ (P. obtusa): The Iconic Singapore Plumeria

Plumeria obtusa, commonly known as ‘Singapore White’, is another heirloom variety that has become a classic in the world of plumeria. Its elegant white flowers and evergreen nature make it a favorite in gardens and landscapes worldwide.

Backstory and Significance:

• Origins in the Caribbean: P. obtusa is native to the Caribbean, including areas like Hispaniola and parts of the Caribbean islands, but it became known as the “Singapore Plumeria” because of its widespread cultivation in Singapore. It has since become a symbol of the tropics and symbolizes purity in many cultures.
• Flower Characteristics: ‘Singapore White’ flowers are pure white with a yellow center, and their fragrance is strong and sweet, often described as jasmine-like. These flowers are slightly smaller than P. rubra flowers but are prized for their elegance and consistency.
• Evergreen Growth Habit: Unlike most plumeria species, P. obtusa is evergreen, retaining its glossy green leaves year-round in tropical climates. This makes it a valuable plant for year-round landscaping.

Legacy and Influence:

• ‘Singapore White’ continues to be a favorite for its elegance, hardiness, and fragrance. It is frequently used in temples and gardens and has contributed to the development of many cultivars that aim for the evergreen growth habit and pure white flowers.

4. The Moragne Family of Hybrids: A Legacy of Hawaiian Breeding

One of the most influential families in plumeria hybridization is the Moragne family. Bill Moragne Sr., a prominent plumeria hybridizer in Hawaii during the 1950s and beyond, produced a number of popular cultivars that continue to shape the landscape of modern plumeria breeding.

Backstory and Significance:

• Bill Moragne Sr. was one of the first plumeria breeders to focus on creating hybrids that had both vibrant flowers and strong growth habits. His work laid the foundation for many of the plumeria varieties we enjoy today.
• Some of the most notable cultivars from the Moragne family include ‘Moragne Red’, ‘Moragne Pink’, and other colorful hybrids that have become favorites in landscaping and commercial production.

Legacy:

• The Moragne family continues to have a profound impact on plumeria cultivation, and their hybrids remain some of the most sought-after and reliable plants. The quality and hardiness of their hybrids set the standard for modern plumeria breeding in Hawaii and the global plumeria community.

5. Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Heirloom Plumeria Cultivars

The story of heirloom plumeria cultivars like ‘Celadine’, ‘Aztec Gold’, ‘Singapore White’, and the Moragne hybrids illustrates how far plumeria has come, from its early days as a wild species to the cultivated beauties we know today. These classic cultivars have played an important role in the development of modern plumeria varieties and remain beloved for their historic significance and unique traits.

As plumeria continues to evolve through hybridization, these heirloom varieties serve as the foundation upon which future generations of plumeria hybrids will be built. Whether you’re growing them for their fragrance, flower color, or historical value, heirloom plumerias are an essential part of the plumeria community, and their legacy will continue to inspire collectors and breeders for years to come.