Better known as frangipani, Plumeria rubra is a delightful small tree for a garden with a semi-tropical look, usually reaching a height of around 4m, though with great age they seem capable of growing to 8-10m. Plumeria belongs to the Apocynaceae family of plants. The frangipani tree has a distinctive domed canopy. Unfurling like miniature parasols from slim buds, the exquisite waxy flowers begin to appear in early summer and continue through autumn, and are strongly perfumed. Many can be seen in inner-city suburbs of Sydney, in the front gardens of terrace houses.
In Sydney, we mainly see the classic creamy coloured version with a lemon centre (Plumeria rubra var. acutifolia), but there are many pretty cultivars, including pinks of various tones, peach, pure white, yellows, reds, oranges, cerise and even violet. Some are striped or have petal edges in a contrasting colour. There are various species of Plumeria, but P. rubra is the best for our climate.
The root system of the tree is not invasive. Originating in Central America, they are frost sensitive but cope well with our Sydney climate. The large elliptical leaves are attractive. Frangipani trees are quite deciduous here, but I find their reindeer-antler look in winter rather endearing.
They need five to six hours of sunlight each day, reasonable soil, and sufficient water in summer - less is required in the cooler months. Shelter from strong winds is advisable. They don't need pruning unless they become very lanky, when cutting back can be done in stages. They grow easily from large cuttings taken in winter or spring - leave the pieces to dry for a few weeks, then push them firmly into pots of propagating mix and place in a shady position. They take a while to strike but should succeed.
Rust may affect the foliage in the humidity of late summer - but as these leaves will fall off in winter, this is not really a problem. Dispose of diseased leaves in the rubbish bin, rather than composting them. Contact with the milky sap of the tree should be avoided. Fertilise frangipanis with an all-purpose fertiliser in spring once the leaves begin to appear. Sulphate of potash can also be applied to enhance flowering. The fertiliser can be applied via holes dug around at the drip line of the tree with a crowbar, so that the food gets to the tree roots rather than the surrounding lawn.
I have seen frangipanis growing in pots quite successfully; these can be repotted in late winter and either root-pruned for planting back into the same pot, or moved on to a larger-sized container.