Top 10 Most Fragrant Plumeria Cultivars (and What They Smell Like)

Plumeria flowers are beloved not only for their stunning beauty but also for their intoxicating fragrances. From the classic frangipani perfume to jasmine-like and tropical scents, plumeria offers a diverse range of aromas. In this article, we’ll profile the top 10 most fragrant plumeria cultivars, describing each fragrance in relatable terms to help you find your favorite plumeria scent. Whether you’re an enthusiast or just starting your plumeria journey, these cultivars will captivate your senses with their unforgettable aromas.

1. Plumeria ‘Celadine’ – Classic Frangipani Perfume

Scent Profile: Strong, classic frangipani perfume
Plumeria ‘Celadine’ is one of the most well-known cultivars for its exceptional fragrance. The blooms exude a rich, sweet, and heady frangipani scent that’s often associated with tropical islands. The fragrance is bold and long-lasting, making it a favorite for lei making and floral arrangements.

• Fragrance Notes: Rich, floral, with hints of tropical sweetness.
• Ideal For: Gardeners who love a traditional, powerful plumeria fragrance.

2. Plumeria ‘Singapore White’ – Jasmine-like

Scent Profile: Soft, jasmine-like fragrance
Plumeria ‘Singapore White’ features beautiful white blooms with a yellow center, and its fragrance is often compared to that of jasmine. The scent is light, sweet, and clean, with a slightly fruity undertone that adds a refreshing quality to the overall experience.

• Fragrance Notes: Jasmine, with delicate citrusy and sweet undertones.
• Ideal For: Those who enjoy a light, fresh floral fragrance.

3. Plumeria ‘Tahitian’ – Gardenia & Jasmine Hybrid

Scent Profile: A perfect blend of gardenia and jasmine
Plumeria ‘Tahitian’ is one of the most fragrant varieties, offering a complex blend of gardenia and jasmine-like fragrances. The soft pink blooms are intoxicatingly fragrant, with a sweet, creamy, and floral aroma that lingers in the air.

• Fragrance Notes: Gardenia with jasmine and tropical floral notes.
• Ideal For: Those who want a strong, rich floral scent with complexity.

4. Plumeria ‘Dwarf Yellow’ – Sweet Citrus & Floral

Scent Profile: Sweet citrus with floral undertones
The fragrance of Plumeria ‘Dwarf Yellow’ is light and refreshing, with hints of citrus and sweet floral notes. It’s a fantastic variety for gardeners seeking a fragrant, low-maintenance cultivar that doesn’t overpower but still leaves a pleasant scent.

• Fragrance Notes: Citrusy with a touch of sweet, tropical flowers.
• Ideal For: Smaller gardens, container gardens, or anyone who loves a refreshing, subtle scent.

5. Plumeria ‘Kauai Moon’ – Citrus and Peach

Scent Profile: Sweet citrus and peach
Plumeria ‘Kauai Moon’ features vibrant orange, yellow, and pink petals, and its fragrance is just as captivating. The scent is a delightful mix of citrus and peach, with a soft, fruity sweetness that evokes a tropical paradise.

• Fragrance Notes: Citrus, peach, and tropical fruits.
• Ideal For: Those who enjoy fruity and fresh floral scents.

6. Plumeria ‘Sundown’ – Sweet & Tropical

Scent Profile: Sweet, tropical, and slightly spicy
Plumeria ‘Sundown’ is known for its bold orange and yellow blooms, and its fragrance is just as striking. The scent combines the sweetness of tropical fruit with a slight spicy kick, offering an exotic, energizing aroma.

• Fragrance Notes: Tropical fruit, with hints of spice and sweetness.
• Ideal For: Gardeners looking for a sweet and exotic fragrance with a touch of warmth.

7. Plumeria ‘Red Dragon’ – Spicy & Sweet

Scent Profile: Sweet and spicy, with a touch of cinnamon
Plumeria ‘Red Dragon’ is famous not only for its deep red blooms but also for its spicy-sweet fragrance. The scent is exotic and unique, combining sweet floral notes with a slight spicy kick reminiscent of cinnamon or clove.

• Fragrance Notes: Sweet floral, with hints of spice and cinnamon.
• Ideal For: Those who want a bold, exotic fragrance with both sweet and spicy elements.

8. Plumeria ‘Rose’ – Fragrant and Bold

Scent Profile: Strong, rose-like fragrance
Plumeria ‘Rose’ offers a classic floral scent that’s often compared to roses, but with the tropical twist that plumeria is known for. The fragrance is strong, sweet, and rich, filling the air with its deep floral aroma.

• Fragrance Notes: Rose, with a tropical floral undertone.
• Ideal For: Gardeners who enjoy strong floral scents, especially rose-like fragrances.

9. Plumeria ‘Pleasant Pink’ – Sweet & Subtle

Scent Profile: Subtle, sweet floral fragrance
Plumeria ‘Pleasant Pink’ lives up to its name with a gentle, sweet floral fragrance that is not overpowering. The scent is soft and clean, with hints of tropical sweetness, making it perfect for those who prefer a more understated scent.

• Fragrance Notes: Sweet floral, with soft tropical undertones.
• Ideal For: Those who enjoy a delicate, pleasant fragrance without an overwhelming scent.

10. Plumeria ‘Tropical Pink’ – Sweet and Refreshing

Scent Profile: Light, sweet floral fragrance with fruity undertones
Plumeria ‘Tropical Pink’ is a vibrant variety with lovely pink blooms, and its fragrance is just as delightful. The scent is light and sweet, with hints of tropical fruits and a refreshing floral aroma that is both uplifting and calming.

• Fragrance Notes: Sweet floral, with fruity and tropical notes.
• Ideal For: Anyone looking for a gentle, refreshing fragrance that isn’t too strong.

Conclusion: Discover Your Favorite Plumeria Scent

Plumeria flowers are not only visual delights but also olfactory treasures, with each variety offering a unique fragrance. From the classic frangipani perfume of Plumeria ‘Celadine’ to the sweet citrus notes of Plumeria ‘Dwarf Yellow,’ there’s a plumeria scent for everyone. Whether you prefer bold, spicy aromas or light, refreshing floral fragrances, plumeria offers an incredible spectrum of scents to explore.

By selecting plumeria varieties that suit your fragrance preferences, you can create a garden that’s not only beautiful to look at but also a joy to experience through your senses. Enjoy discovering which plumeria scents captivate you the most!