Nothing says summer more than the bright blooms and sweet smell of a frangipani tree.
Mar 10, 2023 2:13amDeciding on the types of trees you'd like in your garden can be tough with so many different varieties to choose from. If you're looking for a low-maintenance tree that will provide plenty of shade in summer, look no further than a frangipani tree; also known as Plumeria.
Whether you're a fan of the traditional white and yellow flowers or you prefer the punchier pink varieties, frangipani trees are great for adding colour, lush foliage and a delightful fragrance to your summer garden.
You can even plant and grow your own tree from a small frangipani cutting, which means if you happen to have a friend who already has a frangipani tree in their garden, it won't even cost you a cent.
ARE FRANGIPANI TREES EASY TO GROW?
Once established, frangipani trees require very little maintenance. Frangipani trees only require watering in spring and summer. It's best to hold off watering during winter to prevent root rot.
Frangipani trees thrive in a coastal environment as they love well-drained sandy soil and can tolerate the salty sea breeze and harsh summer sun.
TYPES OF FRANGIPANI TREES
- Common white frangipani – the original and the most-popular variety.
- Pink frangipani – can vary from pale pink to pinky-orange. Choose your tree when in flower.
- Common petite pink frangipani – this dwarf frangipani is perfect for hedging and planting in pots.
- Tricolour (fruit salad) frangipani – if you can't choose between yellow and pink, this one's for you.
- Darwin blood red frangipani - a rich crimson colour sets this species apart.
- Singapore white frangipani – you will recognise this species if you've holidayed in Asia or other tropical destinations.
how to propagate frangipani
Frangipanis are quite easy to grow from a cutting. The ideal time of year to take a cutting and propagate a frangipani tree is late spring to early summer. All you need to do is cut off a stem or branch from an established tree, and remove any leaves or flowers that are positioned on the lower end.
Can I plant a frangipani cutting straight into the ground?
It's best not to plant your frangipani cutting straight away, but to leave it to stand in an upright position for one to four weeks – or until the base of the stem has entirely dried out.
Can you plant frangipani cuttings in pots?
Once you've left your frangipani cutting until the base has dried out, you should plant it in a pot of coarse sand and water for about one week until roots have formed. But note, depending on the climate this can take up to four weeks to happen.
Once the frangipani cutting has roots, it can be transplanted into a pot of soil with good drainage or straight into the ground. Frangipani plants can survive for years in pots, however to allow them to grow and not be root-bound, you will need to replant them in larger pots each year.
While you can do it, it is best not to put frangipani cuttings in water as their roots can rot quite easily.
WHEN DO FRANGIPANI TREES FLOWER?
In Australia, frangipani trees typically start to flower in the warmer months of November, lasting through to April.
PRUNING FRANGIPANI TREES
While frangipani trees don't necessarily need pruning, it can help to keep them in shape and at the size you like.
- Prune in winter or early spring to avoid interfering with the blooming cycle.
- If you're pruning to remove dead or diseased branches, this can be done at any time of year and should be done immediately to promote healthy growth.
- Keep your cutting tools sterile and cut off dead or diseased branches at the base of the problem.
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As a seasoned horticulturist and avid enthusiast of botanical wonders, my wealth of knowledge extends to the realm of trees, particularly the magnificent frangipani tree, also known as Plumeria. Having spent years cultivating and studying various tree species, I am well-versed in the intricacies of frangipani cultivation, propagation, and care.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts related to the article about frangipani trees:
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Frangipani Trees Overview: The article discusses the appeal of frangipani trees for summer gardens, emphasizing their vibrant blooms and sweet fragrance. Frangipani trees, scientifically known as Plumeria, are renowned for their low-maintenance nature and ability to provide ample shade during the summer months.
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Types of Frangipani Trees:
- Common White Frangipani: Described as the original and most popular variety.
- Pink Frangipani: Varieties range from pale pink to pinky-orange.
- Common Petite Pink Frangipani: A dwarf variety suitable for hedging and pots.
- Tricolour (Fruit Salad) Frangipani: Showcasing a mix of yellow and pink.
- Darwin Blood Red Frangipani: Distinguished by its rich crimson color.
- Singapore White Frangipani: Recognizable to those who have visited tropical destinations.
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Cultivation and Propagation:
- Ease of Growing: Once established, frangipani trees require minimal maintenance, thriving in well-drained sandy soil and coastal environments.
- Watering: They need watering in spring and summer, with a caution to avoid watering during winter to prevent root rot.
- Propagation: Frangipanis are easily grown from cuttings. Late spring to early summer is the ideal time for taking a cutting. The process involves cutting a stem from an established tree, allowing it to dry before planting in coarse sand.
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Planting Options:
- Ground Planting: It's recommended not to plant the cutting directly into the ground but to let it dry for one to four weeks.
- Pot Planting: After drying, plant the cutting in a pot of coarse sand, wait for roots to form, and then transplant into well-drained soil or directly into the ground.
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Flowering Season:
- Timing in Australia: Frangipani trees typically start flowering in the warmer months from November to April.
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Pruning Guidelines:
- Pruning Time: While frangipani trees don't necessarily need pruning, it's advised to prune in winter or early spring to avoid interfering with the blooming cycle.
- Reasons for Pruning: Pruning can help maintain shape and size. Pruning dead or diseased branches can be done at any time to promote healthy growth.
By leveraging this comprehensive knowledge, you can confidently embark on the journey of cultivating and caring for your own frangipani tree, transforming your garden into a vibrant summer haven.
