There are many types of Frangipanis which come from the West Indies and Mexico. They vary in size, from 3M small to large rounded 10M trees. These are the most sweetly scented of all the tropical flowers. In India, they are known as the Temple-flower as they are always planted next to a temple.

The Frangipani’s correct name is Plumeria (Apocynacae). The flowers are beautiful as they come into bloom. Each one unrolls into 5, overlapping, thick waxy petals, which are about 5cm (2 ins) across. These trees bloom in summer and autumn.

The flowers are clustered, in heads at the end of each branch and surrounded by dark green leaves. The leaves are large, thick and leathery with an oval tapering shape, which grow to about 30cm (1 ft) long. The stems, leaves and branches all excrete a milk-like liquid, when cut.

Some different types of Frangipanis are the Plumeria Alba, which has pure white flowers. Plumeria Rubra (P.Acuminata), is called the crimson Frangipani, as it has crimson and gold flowers. There is also a pale pink variety. There is also the P. Rubra Acutifolia, which has white flowers and a deep yellow, rose-like centre.

This tree is easily grown, but is best suited only to a sub-tropical climate, as it doesn’t like the frost. It will withstand the sea breeze, so grows very well in the coastal areas.

There are many hybrids available, some of which have rich apricot, flushed with cream and buttercup yellow coloured flowers. These are beautiful, exuberant colours.

The frangipani can be grown as a shrub in cooler climates, but must be planted in a north-west corner which is hotter. It will loose it’s leaves for a short time in winter, so one mustn’t water much, at this time.

Pruning back must be done well in autumn.

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Sally Robson is a South African Internet marketer, who together with her husband Derek, have a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and other non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet, by overcoming the many obstacles facing them. They have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. Sally has a passion for gardening. For more articles and advice on gardening topics, visit Sally at: http://www.dersalsites.com/sallysgardeningtips/  

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