Plumeria rubra

A small to medium-sized deciduous tree, native to Central and tropical America, Fragrant Plumeria is celebrated for its striking flowers and lush, tropical appearance. It features a rounded, open crown and thick, smooth trunks with a distinctive gray-green color. The tree responds well to pruning and shaping, making it suitable for both formal and informal garden settings.

Its large, elongated leaves are dark green, soft in texture, and shed in winter, returning quickly in spring. The foliage contributes to an airy, resort-like garden feel.

Blooming from spring through late summer, Plumeria offers a spectacular floral display in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, yellow, and multi-colored blends. The intensely fragrant, five-petaled flowers are often spiraled and appear in various inflorescence types, sometimes even on bare branches at the start of the season. The continuous formation of new buds creates prolonged and diverse flowering, varying in size and intensity between varieties.

With a slow to moderate growth rate, Plumeria is highly tolerant of heat and drought, but sensitive to frost. It thrives in warm climates, particularly in the coastal plain, valleys, and southern regions. In colder zones, it should be grown in large containers and brought indoors or protected during the winter. Proper drainage is essential, as the tree does not tolerate overwatering.

Please note: The plant exudes a milky white sap that is toxic and may irritate skin – avoid use in areas where young children play unsupervised. However, it poses no concern in standard garden environments.

Ideal Uses: Fragrant Plumeria makes a beautiful focal tree for private gardens, patios, lawn borders, and entryways, offering both aesthetic value and rich, tropical fragrance.