About
This deciduous shrub with few succulent branches bearing oblong leaves to 40cm long, and terminal panicles of highly aromatic, yellow-centred rose-pink flowers to 9cm across, in late summer and autumn.
About the genus
Plumeria can be deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs or small trees, with succulent stems bearing simple leaves towards the apex, and fragrant, salver-shaped flowers in terminal clusters in summer and autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toMexico to Panama
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a well-drained, peat-free, loam-based compost with the addition of extra grit or sharp sand. Provide full light and a minimum temperature of 10°C (50F). Water moderately when in growth, but keep almost dry during the winter months. Feed once a month with a balanced liquid fertilser during the growing season
PruningWhen grown under glass, size may be reduced by pruning back to a branch junction or fork in early spring. Wounds can be prone to rotting however so pruning should be kept to a minimum. Mature plants do not respond well to renovation
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers at 18°C (64F) in spring. Take ripe cuttings of leafless stem tips in early spring. Allow these to dry thoroughly at the base before inserting them into the rooting medium
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rot in cold conditions