Frangipani (Plumeria rubra): The Tropical Lei Flower with Intoxicating Fragrance

Frangipani, Plumeria rubra, also called Nosegay or Plumeria, is a small, deciduous tree from the American tropics, famous for its intensely fragrant, waxy flowers used in Hawaiian leis.

Lei Flower

This tree grows 15–25 feet tall with a thick, succulent trunk and sausage-like branches. The leaves are large, clustered at branch tips. The flowers are 2–4 inches wide, with five overlapping petals in shades of pink, yellow, white, and red, with a powerful, sweet fragrance strongest at night. They bloom from spring to fall.

Tropical Elegance

Plumeria rubra requires frost-free climates (zone 10+), full sun, and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and drops leaves in winter. In containers, it can be grown in cooler zones and overwintered indoors. The synonym Plumeria acuminata is often used. A quintessential tropical ornamental.