🌸 Why Australians Love Frangipanis

Few plants say summer in Australia like a frangipani (Plumeria). Their lush green foliage and sweetly perfumed flowers evoke tropical holidays and poolside gardens.

Frangipanis are hardy once established, forgiving in sandy soils, and thrive in coastal suburbs — making them a go-to for Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and beyond.

☀ Best Position & Climate

Sun: 6–8 hours of full sun daily = strongest flowering.

Heat tolerant: They thrive in warm, coastal and subtropical climates.

Cooler zones: Grow in pots so you can move them under eaves or into garages during frosty winters.

🌱 Soil Preparation & Planting

Drainage is key. Use a succulent/cactus mix or lighten clay soil with gypsum + compost.

Hole: Twice as wide as the pot, same depth.

Fertiliser: Add a slow-release, balanced fertiliser or handful of blood and bone at planting.

Pots: Pick large terracotta or lightweight composite pots with good drainage holes.

💧 Watering & Feeding Routine

New plants: Water deeply once or twice a week for the first summer.

Established: Water when top 5 cm soil is dry — overwatering = root rot.

Fertilise:

Spring & summer: High potassium (flowering) fertiliser every 6–8 weeks.

Avoid high nitrogen — gives leaves but few flowers.

✂ Pruning & Propagation

Prune: Late winter (before sap flow) to shape and encourage branching.

Propagate: Cut healthy branches, let callus 7–10 days, then pot in sandy mix.

Wear gloves — frangipani sap is sticky and can irritate skin.

🐛 Pests & Problems

Rust (orange spots under leaves): Remove affected leaves, use fungicide if severe.

Root rot: Only water when soil is dry.

Mealybugs / scale: Wipe with alcohol or spray with eco-oil.

🛒 Buying Tips

Cuttings vs. grafted trees: Grafted often flower younger and more reliably.

Varieties:

Classic white/yellow (“Singapore White”)

Pink, rubra types, rare rainbow or dark red hybrids

Online nurseries (like ours) ship potted frangipanis safely — no need to wait for cutting season.

🌟 Shop our [Frangipani Collection] — Australia-wide shipping.

Start with a grafted tree for faster flowering and reliable colour.

❓ FAQs

Q: How fast do frangipanis grow?

Slow to moderate — ~30–60 cm a year once established.

Q: Can I grow from cuttings?

Yes — very easy. Dry cuttings first to prevent rot.

Q: Do they lose leaves?

Yes, they’re deciduous — expect bare branches in winter.