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. For new plumeria collectors, understanding these abbreviations can be crucial to deciphering cultivar lineage, breeder affiliations, and even gaining insight into the plant’s history and traits.

In this article, we’ll break down some of the most common plumeria name abbreviations, explain what they stand for, and give examples of notable cultivars associated with each one. This will serve as a handy cheat sheet for anyone looking to understand the origins of plumeria cultivars based on their names.

1. ‘JL’ – Jim Little’s Cultivars

Jim Little, the founder of Little Plumeria Farms in Hawaii, is one of the most well-known names in the world of plumeria breeding. His cultivars are often prefixed with ‘JL’ to indicate they were created by him.

Examples of JL Cultivars:

• ‘JL Pink Pansy’: A beautiful hybrid known for its pink flowers and ruffled petals.
• ‘JL Doric’: This cultivar produces vibrant pink blooms with a fragrant aroma and is one of Jim Little’s most popular creations.
• ‘JL Metallica’: A metallic pink variety with a bold appearance and long-lasting flowers.

‘JL’ cultivars are cherished for their unique flower forms, vibrancy, and strong fragrance, making them a staple for plumeria collectors.

2. ‘JJ’ – Jungle Jack’s Plumerias

Jungle Jack’s Plumerias, founded by John and Christina Ingwersen, is a well-known nursery in California famous for developing vibrant plumeria hybrids. The ‘JJ’ prefix identifies cultivars bred by Jungle Jack’s, especially those featuring bold color patterns and larger flowers.

Examples of JJ Cultivars:

• ‘JJ’s Red’: A bright red cultivar known for its large flowers and strong fragrance.
• ‘JJ’s Pink’: A pink hybrid with strong blooms and a vivid color that has become a favorite among plumeria enthusiasts.
• ‘JJ’s Yellow’: A yellow cultivar that produces vibrant flowers and thrives in full sun.

‘JJ’ hybrids are prized for their color intensity, flower size, and hardiness, often selected for commercial use and landscaping due to their robust growth.

3. ‘FC or FCN’ – Florida Colors Nursery Cultivars

Florida Colors Nursery (FC), founded by Luc and Carol Vannoorbeeck, is renowned for producing high-quality plumeria hybrids with vibrant flower colors and improved resilience. The ‘FC’ prefix indicates that the cultivar was bred by this respected nursery, which has contributed significantly to the plumeria breeding community.

Examples of FC Cultivars:

• ‘Aurelia’: A vibrant yellow hybrid that has gained recognition for its striking color and robust flowers. Known for its large blooms and bold fragrance, this cultivar is a standout in landscaping and plumeria collections.
• ‘Donna S’: A bold, red-orange hybrid that showcases both intense color and a strong fragrance. This cultivar’s robust flowers have made it one of the most recognizable in the Florida Colors Nursery collection.
• ‘Peppermint Twist’: another popular Florida Colors Nursery hybrid, known for its unique red and white color pattern. This cultivar is ideal for landscaping or as a cut flower, thanks to its vibrant blooms and spicy fragrance. A bold red-orange with white edges, creating a striking two-tone effect.

‘FC’ cultivars are known for their strong disease resistance, robust growth, and vibrant color combinations, making them popular for both commercial production and home gardens.

4. ‘TC’ – Thai Cultivars

‘TC’ refers to Thai cultivars, often specifically ‘Thai Celadine’ or other varieties with roots in Thailand. These plumerias are known for their multicolored flowers and larger blooms, and the ‘TC’ prefix helps distinguish them as originating from Thailand.

Examples of TC Cultivars:

• ‘TC Celadine’: A hybrid known for its vibrant yellow flowers with orange tips. It is an example of a Thai Celadine cultivar that is widely appreciated for its fragrance and durability.
• ‘TC Sunset’: A stunning multicolored hybrid with bold oranges and reds that make it stand out in tropical gardens.

The ‘TC’ cultivars are especially popular for their vibrant color schemes and large flower sizes, and they are a key contribution from Thai plumeria breeders to the global collection of plumeria hybrids.

5. Other Common Abbreviations:

While JL, JJ, and FC are some of the most common abbreviations, several other breeders and nurseries use prefixes to identify their unique plumeria cultivars. Some of these include:

• ‘PS’: Often used for Plumeria Society of America (PSA) cultivars, typically linked to plumeria hybrids that are registered with the PSA.
• ‘FH’: Denotes Florida Hybrids, often associated with cultivars bred in the Florida region, known for disease resistance and hardiness.
• ‘H’: Some hybrids, particularly ‘Hawaiian’ varieties, use the ‘H’ prefix to indicate they come from Hawaiian breeding lines.

These prefixes help collectors and breeders track the origin of the cultivar and ensure proper identification within the plumeria community.

6. Why Understanding Plumeria Name Abbreviations Matters

For both plumeria enthusiasts and collectors, understanding cultivar name abbreviations helps distinguish plants from one another, ensuring breeders receive proper credit for their contributions to the plumeria community. It also provides a better understanding of a plant’s origin, parentage, and breeding history, which can influence decisions about cultivar selection, care practices, and future breeding efforts.

Benefits of Knowing Abbreviations:

• Identification: Knowing what the abbreviations mean helps you identify the breeder or origin of a plant, which can tell you more about its growth habits, flower traits, and resilience.
• Tracking Lineage: Abbreviations help keep track of parentage and ensure you understand where the plant fits within the larger plumeria breeding community.
• Improved Communication: Accurate use of abbreviations makes it easier to communicate about specific cultivars, especially in nurseries, societies, and breeding circles.

7. Conclusion: A Cheat Sheet for Plumeria Cultivar Names

Understanding plumeria cultivar abbreviations is crucial for navigating the world of plumeria breeding and hybridization. With prefixes like ‘JL’ for Jim Little, ‘JJ’ for Jungle Jack’s, and ‘TC’ for Thai cultivars, enthusiasts and collectors can easily decipher the origin of plumeria plants and the traits they offer.

These naming conventions not only serve as a way to recognize the breeder but also help preserve the history and integrity of plumeria cultivars. By mastering these abbreviations, you can better appreciate the diversity and creativity in plumeria breeding and understand the global influence of various plumeria hybridizers.