Plumeria, also known as frangipani, is a genus of flowering plants in the subfamily Rauvolfioideae, of the family Apocynaceae. Grown primarily for their aesthetic appeal, these deciduous or semi-evergreen trees thrive in sunny, well-drained environments, making them ideal for gardens, patios, or containers. Their compact to medium sizes suit various spaces, from small courtyards to expansive estates.
The hallmark of these trees is their fragrant, five-petaled flowers, which bloom in clusters during warm seasons. Available in a spectrum of colors—white, yellow, pink, red, or multicolored—these waxy blossoms emit scents ranging from sweet to citrusy, enhancing sensory appeal. The flowers are often used in cultural traditions, like lei-making, due to their beauty and fragrance.
Their foliage, typically glossy and elongated, adds to their ornamental charm, with some varieties retaining leaves year-round in frost-free climates. Leaves may vary in shape, from pointed to rounded, offering textural contrast. In cooler seasons, deciduous types shed leaves, revealing sculptural branches that maintain visual interest.
The trees’ bark is smooth, often gray or brown, and their branching patterns create an open, airy structure. Some produce distinctive seed pods, adding seasonal intrigue. However, their milky sap is toxic, requiring careful handling to avoid skin or eye irritation, especially during pruning.
Adapted to tropical and subtropical regions, these trees require minimal care but demand protection from cold. They flourish in full sun with moderate watering, rewarding gardeners with long-lasting blooms and a tropical ambiance, making them a beloved choice for ornamental landscapes.
Plumeria Trees
Common Frangipani
This widely cultivated species grows as a deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching up to 15-25 feet tall and wide. It produces clusters of highly fragrant, five-petaled flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink, red, or bicolor, blooming from late spring to fall. The oval leaves are pointed and drop in winter, revealing a sparse, spreading structure. Its intense fragrance, reminiscent of jasmine or citrus, makes it a favorite for leis in Hawaii.
White Frangipani
Native to Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles, this species grows 15-25 feet tall, often forming an umbrella-shaped canopy. Its flowers are pure white with a soft yellow center that fades outward, emitting a sweet, subtle fragrance. The narrow, corrugated leaves are deciduous, and the tree is well-suited for coastal landscapes due to its salt tolerance. It’s also known as West Indian Jasmine.
Singapore Plumeria
A semi-evergreen species from the West Indies and southern Mexico, this type reaches 10-15 feet in height. Its flowers, in shades of pink or white, have rounded petals that distinguish them from other species. The glossy, rounded leaves remain year-round in warmer climates, and the plant is prized for its compact size and continuous blooming. It’s commonly called Singapore Pink.
Bridal Bouquet
Native to Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela, this evergreen species grows to about 15 feet with profuse branching. Its white or cream flowers with yellow centers are waxy and fragrant, blooming heavily for extended periods. The distinctive spoon-shaped, dark green leaves widen toward the tip, giving it a unique appearance. A newer pink cultivar has recently been introduced.
Large-Flowered Plumeria
A less common species, this type grows into a large tree with spoon-shaped leaves similar to the Bridal Bouquet but produces notably larger flowers. The petals, thinner than some other varieties, bend slightly backward at the tips and come in white or pale shades. Its size and floral display make it a striking choice for spacious tropical gardens.
Abby’s Ruby
A cultivar developed by Florida Colors Nursery, this compact variety features dark pink to red flowers with a spicy fragrance. Its blooms are vibrant, with a tight, cupped shape, making it ideal for smaller gardens or containers. The plant is known for its reliable flowering and lush green foliage, adding bold color to landscapes.
Abigail
Another compact cultivar, this type offers charming, sweet-scented blooms in soft pink with yellow centers. Its smaller stature suits limited spaces, and it blooms prolifically during the growing season. The glossy leaves and elegant flowers make it a favorite for patio or container gardening.
Adagio
Known for its striking, tightly cupped flowers, this cultivar displays dark pink hues with a captivating fragrance. It has a moderate growth rate and is valued for its vivid color and consistent blooming, making it a standout in tropical landscapes or as a potted specimen.
Aimhorn (Chompoo Paan)
Originating from Thailand, this elegant cultivar features delicate, pale pink flowers with a sweet fragrance. Named after a Thai grower’s sister, it’s compact and ideal for smaller gardens. The blooms, about 3 inches wide, show subtle color variations, adding charm to any setting.
Akha
This vibrant cultivar boasts 3-inch rainbow-colored flowers blending pink, yellow, and orange tones. Its delicate fragrance and upright growth make it a popular choice for tropical gardens. The vivid blooms and reliable flowering habit enhance its ornamental appeal.
Almaviva
A seedling of the ‘Marion B.’ cultivar, this type produces vibrant pink blooms with an intoxicating fragrance. It flowers abundantly, with glossy leaves complementing its colorful display. It’s a versatile choice for both in-ground and container planting in warm climates.
Amazing
Developed by Jungle Jack’s Plumeria, this cultivar is unique for its distinct floral characteristics, resembling other varieties but with its own flair. The flowers, in shades of pink and yellow, have a sweet scent and bloom generously, making it a standout for collectors.
Ammaron’s Curly White
This cultivar features long, white, pendulous flowers with narrow, twisting petals resembling ribbons. Its elegant, ribbon-like blooms and mild fragrance make it a distinctive choice for tropical landscapes, often used as an accent plant.
Ana Rosa
Originating from Yucatan, Mexico, this cultivar has light pink flowers with yellow centers, offering a classic plumeria look. Its understated beauty and sweet fragrance make it a popular choice for traditional tropical gardens or as a potted plant.
Andrea Jean
A Florida Colors Nursery seedling, this cultivar is known for its charming blooms and sweet fragrance. The flowers, typically pink with yellow accents, are complemented by glossy foliage, and its excellent blooming performance makes it a reliable ornamental choice.
Aztec Gold
This cultivar is prized for its vibrant golden-yellow flowers with a sweet, peachy fragrance. The blooms, about 3-4 inches wide, have slightly overlapping petals and a subtle white edge, creating a glowing effect. Its compact growth and glossy green leaves make it ideal for containers or small gardens.
Celadine
A popular cultivar, it features creamy white flowers with a bright yellow center, emitting a strong, sweet fragrance reminiscent of coconut. The blooms are medium-sized, and the tree has a moderate growth habit, reaching 10-15 feet, with elongated, glossy leaves that enhance its tropical appeal.
Dwarf Singapore Pink
A compact cultivar derived from the Singapore Plumeria, this type grows to about 6-8 feet, perfect for small spaces or pots. Its soft pink flowers with yellow centers are highly fragrant, and the rounded, evergreen leaves provide year-round interest in warm climates.
Kimo
Known for its striking orange and yellow blooms, this cultivar offers a bold, tropical look with a citrusy fragrance. The flowers, about 3 inches across, have a star-like shape, and the plant’s upright growth and lush foliage make it a standout in larger landscapes.
Lurline
This cultivar produces large, vibrant pink flowers with a deep yellow throat, accented by orange streaks. Its intense fragrance and heavy blooming habit make it a favorite for tropical gardens. The tree grows to 15-20 feet with broad, glossy leaves, adding to its dramatic presence.
Vera Cruz Rose
A vigorous cultivar, it features deep pink to rose-colored flowers with a sweet, floral scent. The blooms are large, with slightly curled petals, and the tree’s dense foliage and sturdy branching make it suitable for both ornamental hedges and standalone specimens.