Frangipani (Plumeria)
About this species.
Frangipani — also called Plumeria (Plumeria rubra and related species) — is the iconic Hawaiian lei flower, and also a popular small specimen tree in South Florida residential landscapes. Thick succulent branches, sparse dramatic forking habit, intensely fragrant pinwheel flowers in summer, and one of the most sculpturally distinctive small trees in the SW Florida palette.
Identification
- Thick succulent grayish-green smooth almost-clubby branches with a sparse dichotomous forking pattern (each branch splits into two, then two again — very distinctive silhouette).
- Thick gnarled gray trunk on mature specimens.
- Large glossy oblong dark green 10–12 inch leaves arranged in spirals at the very tips of the branches.
- Dense clusters of intensely fragrant 5-petaled pinwheel-shaped flowers in terminal bunches — white-with-yellow-throat, pink, red, multicolor varieties.
- Milky latex visible at any cut — caution, can irritate skin and is toxic if ingested.
- Deciduous in winter — drops leaves for several months.
- 10–25 ft mature.
Where you'll see them
South Florida residential and resort landscapes, often as a single sculptural specimen near pool decks, patios, or outdoor entertaining areas. The fragrance is the appeal — frangipani's evening scent is one of the most recognizable tropical fragrances. Common in Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs.
Florida-specific care
- Cold-sensitive — significant damage below 32°F. Reliably south of Charlotte County.
- Drought-tolerant once established — succulent stems store water.
- Deciduous in winter — drops leaves for several months. Plan for the bare-branch winter look.
- Cuttings root easily — similar to gumbo limbo, you can stick a freshly-cut branch in soil and it usually roots.
- Frangipani caterpillar can defoliate the plant in summer; rarely fatal but cosmetically dramatic. Hand-pick or treat as needed.
- Milky latex is toxic if ingested — keep cuttings away from pets and children. Cuts can irritate skin.
What to know.
- Standard species-appropriate pruning, watering, and inspection — no special handling required.
Frequently asked.
Are frangipani flowers edible?
No — frangipani contains toxic latex throughout. The flowers smell wonderful and look beautiful in leis and floating arrangements, but they shouldn't be eaten. The milky sap from cuts can also cause skin irritation. Wear gloves when handling cut material.
Why do my frangipani branches drop their leaves in winter?
It's normal — frangipani is deciduous in Florida, dropping its leaves for several months over winter. The bare-branch winter look is expected. Leaves return in spring and flowering begins in summer. Don't mistake winter leaf drop for disease.
Can I propagate frangipani from a cutting?
Yes — frangipani is famously easy to propagate. Cut a branch tip, let the cut end dry for a week, then plant in well-drained soil. Most cuttings root within a few weeks during the warm season. This is how most Florida frangipani collections start.
Services for frangipani (plumeria)s.
The work we do on frangipani (plumeria)s most often. Each card links straight to the service detail.