Evergreen vs. Deciduous Plumerias: Growth Habit Differences

Plumeria plants are known for their stunning flowers, but their growth habits can vary widely depending on whether the variety is evergreen or deciduous. While Plumeria obtusa (e.g., ‘Singapore White’) and a few other varieties are evergreen in tropical climates, retaining their leaves year-round, most varieties of Plumeria rubra are deciduous and lose their foliage during the winter dormancy period.

Understanding the difference between evergreen and deciduous plumerias is crucial for plumeria care, as it has important implications for growth habits, branching, and the timing of seasonal care. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between these two types of plumeria, how they affect growth patterns, and how to care for them accordingly.

1. Evergreen Plumerias: Leaves All Year Round

Evergreen plumerias are those that retain their leaves throughout the year, even during the cooler months. This trait is most commonly found in Plumeria obtusa and a few other varieties that thrive in tropical climates. These plants continue to grow at a slower pace or at least maintain their foliage during the dormant season if kept in warm temperatures.

Key Characteristics of Evergreen Plumerias:

• Leaf Retention: Evergreen plumerias, like Plumeria obtusa, keep their leaves year-round, making them an attractive option for those who want a lush, green plant in their garden throughout the year.
• Growth Behavior: These plumerias may continue slow growth during the cooler months, depending on the temperature. If they’re kept warm year-round, they may experience steady growth without a distinct rest period.
• Branching: Evergreen plumerias tend to have more consistent branching throughout the year, as they don’t go completely dormant. This can lead to denser, fuller growth in comparison to deciduous varieties.

Example of Evergreen Plumeria Varieties:

• Plumeria obtusa (‘Singapore White’)
  • Growth Habit: Plumeria obtusa is an evergreen variety in tropical climates that retains its glossy green leaves even through cooler months.
  • Growth Characteristics: This variety can continue slow growth in warm environments and may branch regularly throughout the year.
  • Fragrance: Known for its sweet jasmine-like fragrance and beautiful white flowers.
• Plumeria ‘Celadine’
  • Growth Habit: ‘Celadine’ is another evergreen cultivar, retaining its large, waxy leaves year-round in tropical conditions.
  • Growth Characteristics: This variety will continue to produce vibrant yellow flowers even in the off-season, given enough warmth.

Why Evergreen Plumerias Matter:

• Continuous Growth: Evergreen plumerias are a great choice for gardeners in warm climates who want their plumeria to maintain consistent growth and foliage year-round, without the interruption of leaf drop in winter.
• Reduced Dormancy Needs: These plants require less winter care compared to deciduous varieties, as they do not undergo a full dormant period. They can continue branching and even bloom throughout the year in suitable climates.

2. Deciduous Plumerias: Dormancy and Leaf Drop in Winter

In contrast to evergreen plumerias, deciduous plumerias like Plumeria rubra drop their leaves during the cooler months, usually in fall or winter. These plants go through a dormancy period, during which they stop growing and conserve energy for the next growing season. In cooler climates or areas with seasonal changes, this dormancy is a natural part of the plant’s life cycle.

Key Characteristics of Deciduous Plumerias:

• Leaf Drop: Deciduous plumerias shed their leaves in response to cooler temperatures or environmental stress. This typically occurs in fall or early winter, signaling the onset of the dormant period.
• Growth Behavior: After leaf drop, deciduous plumerias enter a resting phase, during which their growth slows or stops entirely. They do not put out new growth or blooms during this period.
• Branching: Since the plant is in dormancy, deciduous plumerias do not branch as actively as evergreen types. They may only start to branch again once spring arrives, triggering new growth from the tips.

Example of Deciduous Plumeria Varieties:

• Plumeria rubra (e.g., ‘Leipzig’)
  • Growth Habit: Plumeria rubra varieties, including ‘Leipzig’, are typically deciduous, losing their leaves during cooler months and entering dormancy.
  • Growth Characteristics: These plants remain bare during the winter, conserving energy until the growing season resumes in spring.
  • Flowering: After winter dormancy, plumeria rubra will leaf out and begin flowering again once the temperatures warm up.
• Plumeria ‘Tahitian’
  • Growth Habit: ‘Tahitian’ is a deciduous variety, shedding its leaves in the winter months and taking a rest period before the next growing season.
  • Flowering: It produces strong, gardenia-like flowers once the plant resumes growth in spring.

Why Deciduous Plumerias Matter:

• Seasonal Rest: Deciduous plumerias naturally enter dormancy, which helps them conserve energy during cooler months. This process allows them to grow vigorously during the warmer months and produce a bloom-heavy display.
• Adaptation to Climate: In areas with seasonal climates or cool winters, deciduous plumerias are ideal as they naturally adapt to periods of cold weather.

3. How Evergreen and Deciduous Growth Habits Affect Care

Understanding whether your plumeria is evergreen or deciduous helps you determine how to care for it throughout the year. The need for winter care, water management, and temperature considerations can vary greatly between these two types.

Care for Evergreen Plumerias:

• Continuous Growth: Evergreen plumerias, like Plumeria obtusa, may continue slow growth during cooler months if kept in warm conditions. In tropical or subtropical climates, they will not need a full rest period.
• Watering: While these plants do not go fully dormant, it’s still important to reduce watering during the cooler months to prevent root rot.

Care for Deciduous Plumerias:

• Winter Dormancy: For deciduous plumerias, like Plumeria rubra, ensure they experience a cooler rest period by reducing watering and fertilization. This dormancy is necessary for the plant to store energy for spring growth.
• Temperature Management: In cool climates, move deciduous plumerias indoors during winter to prevent freeze damage. Keep the plant in a cool, dry place where it can enter dormancy.

4. Conclusion: Evergreen vs. Deciduous Growth Habits

Understanding whether your plumeria is evergreen or deciduous is essential for optimizing its care and managing its growth. Evergreen plumerias, such as Plumeria obtusa, retain their foliage year-round and may continue slow growth in warmer climates. On the other hand, deciduous plumerias, like Plumeria rubra, enter dormancy in the cooler months and shed their leaves to conserve energy.

By recognizing the growth habits of your plumeria, you can ensure the plant receives the proper care throughout the year, whether it’s managing winter dormancy or nurturing consistent growth in warmer climates.