Sweetshade (Hymenosporum flavum): Fragrant Native Frangipani

Sweetshade, or native frangipani, is an Australian rainforest tree with highly fragrant, cream-to-yellow flowers that resemble frangipani. It is a popular ornamental in warm climates.

Botanical Profile

Description and Features

This evergreen tree grows 20–40 feet tall with a narrow, pyramidal crown. Leaves are glossy, dark green, lanceolate. In spring to summer, clusters of tubular, five-petaled flowers open cream and age to deep yellow, emitting a strong, sweet perfume, especially at night.

Cultivation and Uses

Sweetshade prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is moderately drought-tolerant once established. Used as a street tree, screen, or specimen. The fragrance carries far, making it ideal near living areas.

Note

Despite the common name, it is not related to true frangipani (Plumeria).