Understanding the Growth Habits of Plumeria Plumeria (also known as frangipani) are tropical flowering trees prized for their beautiful, fragrant blooms. To grow them successfully, it’s important to understand their growth habits – in other words, how plumerias grow in size and shape over time. This comprehensive guide will explain plumeria growth habits in detail, […]
Registered vs. Unregistered Plumeria Names: Why Registration Matters When it comes to the world of plumeria cultivation, naming a new cultivar is just the beginning of a long journey. While many plumeria plants in circulation are given names, not all of them are officially registered with the Plumeria Society of America (PSA), the International Cultivar […]
Cultivar or Variety? Understanding Correct Terminology When it comes to plumeria breeding and cultivation, the terms “cultivar” and “variety” are often used interchangeably. However, these terms refer to distinct concepts in the world of plant science. Understanding the difference between a cultivar and a botanical variety is essential for any plumeria enthusiast, breeder, or gardener. […]
The Jim Little Legacy: How Little Plumeria Farms Shaped Modern Cultivars In the world of plumeria breeding, few names have had as profound an impact as Jim Little. Founder of Little Plumeria Farms in Haleiwa, Hawaii, Jim’s innovative approach to hybridization has led to the creation of some of the most beloved and unique plumeria […]
Tex and Kay Norwood: Joining Florida Colors Nursery in 2012 and Their Contributions In 2012, Tex and Kay Norwood joined Florida Colors Nursery (FCN), becoming key figures in the continued success and growth of the plumeria breeding program. Their partnership with Luc and Carol Vannoorbeeck marked a new chapter for the nursery, with their combined […]
The Florida Colors Nursery Influence: How Florida Colors Nursery Expanded Plumeria Color Palettes Since its establishment, Florida Colors Nursery (FCN) has made significant contributions to the world of plumeria, particularly through its hybridization efforts that have greatly expanded the plumeria color palette. Founded by Luc and Carol Vannoorbeeck in Florida, FCN became a cornerstone in […]
of plumeria enthusiasts.The Jungle Jack Era: How California Breeders Expanded Plumeria Color Palettes In the world of plumeria breeding, Jungle Jack’s Plumerias, founded in 1995 by John and Christina Ingwersen, is a name that stands out. The nursery, located in North San Diego County, California, started as a personal garden collection of plumeria plants, growing […]
Family Trees: Tracing the Lineage of Modern Plumeria Cultivars Plumeria hybridization is an art form that combines genetics, patience, and intentional breeding to create new, unique plants. Whether you’re a casual plumeria grower or an aspiring breeder, understanding the family trees of modern plumeria cultivars is essential for appreciating how desirable traits like flower color, […]
Origins of Plumeria: Species, Hybrids, and the History of Cultivars Plumeria plants are a beloved part of tropical and subtropical landscapes, renowned for their fragrant flowers and vibrant colors. But where did these stunning plants come from? The history of plumeria spans centuries, starting with the wild species native to the tropics and evolving into […]
Mutation and Polyploidy: Rare Genetic Paths to New Plumerias In the world of plumeria breeding, most new cultivars are created through deliberate hybridization—crossing two plumeria varieties to combine their desirable traits. However, not all new plumeria varieties come from intentional crosses. Some come from natural mutations (sports) or chromosome doubling (polyploidy). These rare genetic processes […]
Advanced Plumeria Grafting Techniques (Veneer & V-Graft) Plumeria grafting is an advanced technique that allows growers to propagate their favorite cultivars while utilizing a sturdy and established rootstock. It’s an excellent way to speed up flowering, combine multiple cultivars, or even create a multi-colored plumeria tree. Through techniques like veneer grafting and the V-graft, growers […]
When Do Plumerias Bloom? (Bloom Seasons Explained) Plumeria plants are renowned for their vibrant flowers and tropical beauty, but the timing of their blooms can vary significantly depending on the climate, variety, and growing conditions. In tropical regions, plumerias can bloom for several months, while in cooler climates, they may have a more limited bloom […]
Spacing and Wind: Placing Plumerias in Your Garden for Success Plumeria plants are beautiful additions to any garden, known for their stunning flowers and tropical charm. However, to ensure they thrive and grow strong, plumeria requires careful spacing and consideration for wind protection. Improper spacing can result in crowded plants, poor air circulation, and increased […]
Cold-Hardy Plumerias: Top 5 Cultivars for Cooler Climates Plumeria plants are typically associated with warm, tropical climates, where they thrive in temperatures above 50°F (10°C). However, gardeners in cooler climates often face challenges growing these beautiful plants due to their sensitivity to frost and cold weather. Most plumeria varieties suffer damage when temperatures drop below […]
Double-Whorled Plumerias: Myth or Reality? Plumeria flowers are well-known for their beauty, fragrance, and classic five-petal arrangement. However, there have been intriguing reports of plumeria blooms that seem to feature more than the typical five petals, flowers with extra layers, often described as “double-whorled” or “double” blooms. The idea of plumeria flowers with multiple whorls […]
Twisted Petals and Spiders: Unusual Plumeria Flower Forms Plumeria flowers are widely celebrated for their striking beauty and variety of shapes. While many plumeria varieties feature classic star-shaped petals, some cultivars exhibit unusual petal forms that set them apart from the typical blooms. These include twisted, reflexed, or narrow “spider” petals—forms that add intrigue and […]
Multi-Petal Plumerias: Meet the Cultivars with 6, 7, or More Petals Plumeria flowers are admired for their stunning beauty and delicate five-petal structure, but some plumeria cultivars produce blooms with more than the usual five petals. These multi-petal plumerias are a fascinating rarity in the plumeria world, and they intrigue collectors and horticulturists alike. While […]
Pointed vs. Rounded Petal Tips: What the Petal Tip Shape Reveals About Plumeria Varieties Plumeria flowers are known for their beautiful and fragrant blooms, but one of the more subtle aspects of plumeria morphology that can tell us a lot about the variety is the shape of the petal tips. Whether the tips are rounded […]
Big Blooms vs. Small Blooms: How Plumeria Flower Size Varies by Cultivar Plumeria flowers are known for their beautiful and aromatic blooms, but one factor that sets these flowers apart is their size. While some plumeria varieties produce small, delicate blooms, others boast large, show-stopping flowers that can measure over 5 inches in diameter. Understanding […]
Beginner’s Guide to Plumeria Flower Colors (White, Yellow, Pink, Red & More) Plumeria flowers, often associated with tropical landscapes and Hawaiian leis, are celebrated for their stunning colors and fragrances. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your plumeria journey, understanding the different color categories of plumeria flowers is key to selecting the right […]
Plumeria Petal Patterns and Markings: Guide to Stripes, Speckles, and Color Gradients Plumeria flowers are renowned for their stunning appearance, with a wide array of colors and shapes. However, it’s the unique petal patterns and markings found in certain cultivars that truly set some plumeria varieties apart. Whether it’s bold stripes, delicate speckles, or stunning […]
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