- - - - - - -

Plumeria Info.
The Plumeria plant, also known as the 'Lei flower', comes from the plant family of Apocynaceae(dogbane) family. Other common names for it are: frangipani, melia (Hawaiian), temple tree, and quite a few more. It is native to warm tropical areas of the Pacific Islands, Caribbean, South America and Mexico. There are many types of plumeria's and in different areas (countries, wildlife, etc.) Some types do not fully open and are referred to as shell, semi-shell, or tulip like.
Most of these flowers have a strong pleasant fragrance that is most intense during the early part of the day. A great many different fragrances have been described for plumeria's and each lovely aroma varies tremendously, according to where it is and what season it's in. Most fragrances are of jasmine, citrus, spices, gardenia, and other indescribable scents.

Petals
Plumerias will usually always have five petals, although there have been a few found with four, six, seven or more petals (however, it's uncommon). There seem to be several basic plumeria color schemes: white with a yellow center, yellow, multicolor, and red. There is speculation that red is a special case of multicolor. Most of the reds can be more properly referred to as red-purple.

Leaves
Plumeria leaves are generally green, (surprisingly enough). However, when examined closely, they can exhibit remarkable variation that is species and variety dependent. Most leaf description is limited to shape, color, size, and texture.

Planting
For container planting use a coarse, well draining potting soil, such as cactus mix or potting mix with perlite and sand. Start with a 6" to 10" container or you may consider using a large container on a plant dolly once the plant is large enough to be in a larger pot to help make the job easier moving indoors as winter approaches. Insert the cut end down in to you potting mix 2" firm soil around cutting and water thoroughly.

Watering
Water Plumerias deeply, but infrequently, let soil dry out somewhat before watering again. "Plumerias do not like we feet". Begin to reduce the frequency of watering in mid-October, as the cool season approaches. Stop watering after all the leaves have fallen and has gone dormant. Resume watering in the spring as new growth begins.

Feeding
Plumerias should be fed with a high nitrogen fertilizer beginning in spring when growth begins. To encourage the most blooms a switch to a high phosphorous fertilizer in early May and fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks through the end of August.

More info...
Bioliogical speaking, plumeria is more appropriately considered a tree, not a flower. In the tropics it can grow to heights over ten meters. A mature plumeria has very strong hardwood and can be safely climbed by the average person so long as the limbs are at least seven centimeters in diameter. Remember to keep your weight where the branches intersect or be sure there are plenty of cushions below!
General growth habit is usually concerned about for a plumeria, because it varies so much. Things like.... how well it branches are (ie. what is the usual number of new tips produced from a tip when it blooms), its history, its seed bearing potential, and its use as a container, ornamental, or landscape plant.

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Origin: Central America

Growth Habits: Evergreen shrub or small tree, up to 15 feet tall (4.5 m), or more; dark, shiny, leathery, blunt ended leaves, 6 to 10 inches long (15-25 cm)

Foliage: Deciduous, Smooth-Textured