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One of the perfume makers favorite flowers, Plumeria is a fairly easy to grow deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree. Of the family Apocynaceae it is more commonly known as Frangipani, Pagoda Tree or West Indian Jasmine. It requires no special care and rewards the gardener with its rich, seductive scent and beautifully colored flowers . Frangipani is a sub-tropical plant the family of which is native to Tropical and Sub-tropical America.
Plant Facts:
Common Name: Frangipani, Pagoda Tree or West Indian Jasmine
Botanical Name: Plumeria
Family: Apocynaceae
Plant Type: Deciduous or Semi-evergreen Shrub or Small Tree with succulent stems and very thick fleshy branches
Origin: Tropical and Sub-tropical America
Zones: 9 - 12, Sub-tropical -- withstands light frost
Height: To 25'
Rate of Growth: Slow
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Soil Requirements: Moderately fertile, well-drained soil
Water Requirements: Water moderately, keep almost dry in winter
Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly
Light Requirements: Full sun
Form: Bush or small tree
Leaves: 4" to 16" -- rich green
Flowers: Pink, white, yellow, red -- blooms during Spring and Summer
Fruits: None
Pests: Spider mites
Uses: Accent bush -- show piece
Bad Habits: None
Cost: $$ to $$$ -- reasonable to expensive
Propagation: cuttings or seeds
Sources: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants,
The Subtropical Garden,
Gardening in the Tropics
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Last updated 06/03/08