FRANGIPANI

FRANGIPANI

The flowers of the Frangipani come in gorgeous rose-pink color brushed with bronze. Frangipani flowers are highly scented during nights and are often used in bouquets. Frangipani flowers have wonderful tropical essence. The frangipani flower is propeller-shaped with a delicate yellow center melting into the creamy-white outer petals. The umbel like clusters of frangipani flowers at the end of terminal branches open over several weeks and each day, the ground is carpeted with fresh frangipani flowers which are gathered for preparing the concrete.

Plumeria can be divided into two main groups, the obtusa and the rubra. Obtusa plumerias have rounded shiny leaves while the rubra have duller pointed leaves. The Obtusa frangipani generally has white flowers and a strong fragrance while the rubra has colorful flowers but less scent.

Facts about Frangipani

• Frangipani flowers color are of whites, yellows, pinks, reds, and multiple pastels.
• Frangipani is known to possess a poisonous, milky sap, rather similar to that of the Euphorbia.
• Frangipani flowering plants can grow to be large shrubs or even small trees.
• In tropical regions, the frangipani may reach a height of 30-40 feet and grow half as wide.
• Frangipani plants have long leather, fleshy leaves in clusters near the branch tips.
• Frangipani plants have widely spaced, thick succulent branches which are round or pointed.
• Frangipani leaves tend to fall in early winter.
• Frangipanis are deciduous and sensitive to cold.
• Frangipanis are known to possess a poisonous, milky sap.
• Frangipani tree's wood is white, light and soft, and can be used for the manufacturing of musical instruments, tableware and furniture.

Growing Frangipani

• When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them individually into 7.5 cm deep holes.
• Put them in pots of similar potting compost.
• Grow the plants in 15-18C (60-65F) in good ventilation and light.
• Plant frangipanis in fast draining soil.
• If the existing soil is clay, amend with organic compost and crushed lava rock.
• Prune frangipani in any time of the year to retain shape and keep plants compact.
• Plants with thick waxy leaves, such as the frangipani, can withstand more heat and wind than plants with delicate foliage.
• Use a slow release type fertilizer to provide a continuous source of nutrients to the plant and to have blooms in plentiful.
• Water them carefully until the roots are growing rapidly through the compost.
• Place the cutting section in a protected, dry location for five days, permitting the wounds to callous.
• If existing soil is clay, amend with organic compost and crushed lava rock.
• Prune frangipani any time of year to retain shape and keep plants intact.

Care for Frangipani

• If scale insects are seen on the undersides of the leaves, treat with insecticidal soap and horticultural oil.
• After planting the frangipani, keep them in a sunny location.
• Plants can be over wintered in a sheltered garage, but will not continue blooming if temperatures drop below the comfort zone.
• Frangipani must be protected from frost. The fleshy stems will turn to mush at the first sign of freezing temperatures.