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 that shape the varieties we grow today.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Hawaiian and Thai plumerias, focusing on the historical trends in breeding, the characteristics of cultivars from each region, and how the distinct regional styles have contributed to the global plumeria community. We’ll also touch on the rise of vibrant multicolors and obtusa hybrids in Thailand and how these differences in breeding have created such a rich diversity in the world of plumeria.

1. Hawaiian Plumerias: Focus on Reds, Pinks, and Substance

The plumeria breeding tradition in Hawaii has its roots in the mid-20th century, where breeders focused on producing cultivars with strong, vibrant colors and robust blooms that were suitable for the island’s floral lei-making traditions. Hawaiian cultivars tend to emphasize reds and pinks, with flowers that have substance and durability, making them ideal for leis and cut flower arrangements.

Historical Background of Hawaiian Plumeria Breeding:

• Focus on Fragrance and Durability: Hawaiian plumeria breeders historically prioritized cultivars with strong fragrance, large flowers, and long-lasting blooms. The primary aim was to create flowers that would not only look beautiful but also stand the test of time as cut flowers used in leis.
• Key Varieties: Plumeria rubra cultivars like ‘Aztec Gold’, ‘Celadine’, and ‘Sundown’ are iconic Hawaiian hybrids that showcase the island’s emphasis on large, colorful blooms in shades of red, yellow, and orange. These varieties have vibrant hues and are commonly seen in Hawaiian gardens and floral arrangements.

Characteristics of Hawaiian Plumerias:

• Flower Color: Hawaiian cultivars are known for their rich reds, oranges, pinks, and yellows. Plumeria flowers from Hawaii often exhibit deep color saturation, with some varieties even showing striking color combinations.
• Flower Substance: Hawaiian plumerias are bred for thick, strong petals, making them suitable for leis and arrangements that need to last.
• Hybridization Focus: Hawaiian breeders historically focused on single-species crosses, primarily working with Plumeria rubra to create stunning new varieties. The hybrids often maintained the red and pink hues while introducing larger blooms and more resilience.

2. Thai Plumerias: A Shift Towards Multicolors and Obtusa Hybrids

In contrast to the more traditional Hawaiian breeding, plumeria cultivation in Thailand and Southeast Asia took a more experimental approach in recent decades, producing some of the most vibrant multicolored hybrids seen today. Thai breeders have focused on creating hybrids that combine diverse colors, such as vivid pinks, oranges, yellows, and even purple tones, often mixing the best traits from species like Plumeria rubra and Plumeria obtusa.

The Rise of Multicolor Hybrids in Thailand:

• Focus on New Color Combinations: Thai breeders have made a name for themselves by introducing vibrant multicolors in plumeria. By crossing red, yellow, and white-flowered cultivars, Thai plumeria hybrids can exhibit stunning color gradients or even two-tone patterns.
• Obtusa Hybrids: One notable trend in Thai plumeria breeding has been the development of Plumeria obtusa hybrids. P. obtusa, with its evergreen nature and white flowers, has been used to create hardier hybrids that still retain the vibrant colors of P. rubra cultivars. The result is a new generation of multicolored, fragrant flowers.

Characteristics of Thai Plumerias:

• Flower Color: Thai hybrids are famous for their intense, multicolored flowers, ranging from red and pink to yellow, orange, and even purple. The cross-pollination of P. rubra and P. obtusa often results in flower colors that are more vivid and unique than those found in Hawaiian varieties.
• Flower Form: While some Thai plumerias maintain a similar flower form to their Hawaiian counterparts, others have larger or more irregularly shaped petals, adding to the diversity of the flowering patterns seen in Thai cultivars.
• Hardiness and Growth: Thai cultivars often have a more compact growth habit, and their disease resistance and drought tolerance have made them suitable for a wider range of climates, including regions with lower humidity and less consistent rainfall.

3. Australian Plumerias: A Middle Ground Between Hawaiian and Thai Cultivars

Plumeria cultivation in Australia has been influenced by both Hawaiian and Southeast Asian breeding practices. Australian plumerias often combine the robust, colorful blooms of Hawaiian cultivars with the hardiness and drought tolerance of Thai and Southeast Asian varieties.

Key Characteristics of Australian Plumerias:

• Hybridization with Local Varieties: Australian breeders have worked to develop plumerias that are well-suited for the Australian climate, which can be hotter and drier than the more humid environments of Hawaii. The resulting hybrids have greater resilience to extreme weather conditions while retaining the vibrancy of their flowers.
• Vibrant Yet Hardy: Australian plumerias tend to feature bright, bold flower colors, similar to those bred in Hawaii and Thailand, but with a greater emphasis on disease resistance and climate adaptability.

4. Why Thai Plumerias Gained Fame for Vibrant New Color Patterns

In recent decades, Thai plumerias have gained global recognition for their intense color patterns and innovative hybrids. The focus on breeding vibrant multicolored flowers has made Thai plumeria cultivars particularly attractive to both collectors and commercial growers.

The Appeal of Thai Hybrids:

• Colorful and Unique Patterns: Thai cultivars like ‘Mai Tai’ and ‘Firestorm’ offer stunning, unpredictable color patterns that have captured the imagination of plumeria enthusiasts. The combination of P. rubra’s vivid hues and P. obtusa’s subtlety has resulted in floral varieties that stand out for their intensity and uniqueness.
• Popularity in Global Markets: These cultivars are now widely sought after in the global plumeria market. Their intense colors, combined with the hardiness of their hybridized traits, make them perfect for a variety of climates.

5. Conclusion: A Global Plumeria Legacy of Diversity

The evolution of plumeria breeding in Hawaii, Thailand, and Australia has shaped the plant’s remarkable diversity in flower color, size, and growth habits. Hawaiian plumerias, with their emphasis on reds and pinks, laid the foundation for lei-making and commercial cultivation. Meanwhile, Thai plumeria hybrids, with their vibrant multicolors and innovative combinations, have introduced new possibilities for plumeria enthusiasts worldwide.

By understanding the different breeding trajectories in these regions, we can better appreciate the diverse traits and rich history behind the plumeria cultivars we grow today. Whether you’re drawn to the traditional reds of Hawaii or the bright, bold multicolors of Thailand, plumeria’s global influence continues to inspire new hybridizations and a deeper love for this beautiful plant.