Frangipani, a beautiful and exotic flower with an exquisite aroma

Hello, flower and plant lovers! Today we’re exploring frangipani, or plumeria, a group of tropical trees and shrubs treasured for their fragrant flowers.

Frangipani

Origin

Frangipani belongs to the genus Plumeria in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. Although these flowers are closely associated with Hawaii, they did not originate there. Plumeria species are native to tropical parts of the Americas, especially Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. They were introduced to Asia and the Pacific and are now widely grown in warm climates.

Local names vary widely: sacuanjoche or flor de mayo in Nicaragua, and cacaloxóchitl in Mexico. In parts of Central America, other regional names are used. In Sicily, frangipani is often called pomelia. Some Pacific island communities use names such as tipanié, while jepun is common in Bali. In Laos it is known as dok champa. Names do not always refer to precisely the same Plumeria species or cultivar.

The name “frangipani” is commonly linked to a European perfume associated with the Frangipani family, although accounts of the naming differ. The botanical genus Plumeria honours the French botanist Charles Plumier, who lived in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. Plumerias were known to Indigenous peoples in the Americas long before European botanical descriptions. It is therefore misleading to credit a single European writer with their discovery.

Characteristics

Plumerias may grow as shrubs or small trees; height depends on the species and growing conditions. Many shed some or all of their leaves in a dry or cool season. They need plenty of light, warmth and freely draining soil. Water during active growth, allowing the mix to dry partly between waterings. Flowering times vary with climate and cultivar. Cut stems release milky latex that can irritate skin and eyes. Wear gloves when pruning and avoid contact with mucous membranes. The flowers come in white, yellow, pink, red and mixed colours; many offer little or no nectar. Their fragrance is often strongest in the evening and at night. Flower size, shape and colour vary between species and cultivars.

Flower clusters usually form near the ends of branches. New branches may develop after flowering or pruning, but the plant does not invariably produce three.
During active growth, a balanced fertiliser may help; avoid excessive nitrogen and do not feed heavily while dormant. Prune only when needed, preferably before active growth resumes, and protect yourself from the irritating latex.

Propagation

Some plumerias attract moth pollinators with their scent, even though the flowers provide little or no nectar. They can be propagated from seed or stem cuttings. Cuttings usually preserve the parent cultivar, while seedlings can differ and may take several years to bloom. Let a cutting callus before planting, and avoid waterlogged soil. For container growing, use a stable pot with drainage holes and an airy mix. If seed pods develop, allow them to mature and begin opening naturally; a mesh bag can help collect seeds before they scatter.

Properties and uses of frangipani

Plumeria is valued for its fragrance and is used in perfumes and cosmetics. Some people find the scent pleasant, but clinical evidence does not establish that extracts treat ear pain, tinnitus or skin diseases, or reverse ageing. Do not place essential oils or herbal preparations in the ears, and avoid applying the plant’s latex to skin.

In different regions, plumeria flowers are used in garlands, offerings and ceremonies marking weddings, welcomes and remembrance. These customs vary by community; it would be inaccurate to claim that all Indian wedding garlands are made from frangipani. Traditional medicinal uses have been reported, but they do not establish that the plant is safe or effective for itching or fever. In several parts of Asia, plumeria is associated with temple gardens.

Plumerias are common near temples in several religious traditions. Older Thai beliefs sometimes linked the tree with misfortune, but it is also grown ornamentally today; it is not absent from every household. Elsewhere, its flowers may express welcome, remembrance or affection, depending on local customs. These meanings should not be presented as beliefs shared by all Buddhists or Muslims.

In Hawaii, plumeria flowers are often used to make lei for celebrations and welcomes. Their symbolism depends on the occasion and community. Some Mesoamerican traditions and modern retellings connect flowers called sak nicté or flor de mayo with love and innocence, although these names do not always identify the same botanical species. Stories about a princess of that name are best presented as legends. Accounts of ancient ritual or medicinal uses should not be treated as proof of healing properties. In particular, they do not justify applying plumeria preparations to newborn babies.

National flower of Nicaragua

In Nicaragua, plumeria is known as sacuanjoche or flor de mayo. The national flower is Plumeria rubra f. acutifolia, often pictured with pale petals and a yellow centre. The name has Mesoamerican roots, but simplified folk etymologies should be treated cautiously. The flower also appears in cultural and monetary imagery. Legislative Decree No. 1890, dated 17 August 1971 and published in La Gaceta No. 193 on 26 August 1971, officially designated sacuanjoche as Nicaragua’s national flower.

Sacuanjoche has appeared in Nicaraguan monetary and cultural designs; specific banknote series and denominations should be checked against official catalogues.

An emblematic flower of Laos

In Laos, frangipani is called dok champa and is widely recognised as an emblematic national flower. It is associated with welcomes, sincerity and ceremonies, and is frequently planted near temples. It should not be confused with a legally designated national tree, nor should all temple specimens be described as centuries old.

Here are some products associated with this fragrant flower. Availability and specifications may change. Check the seller’s description and terms before purchasing.

Growing frangipani in a container

Hello friends, if you grow frangipani in a pot, the key is plenty of light and a potting mix that drains freely. Water moderately while the plant is actively growing in warm weather, but cut back sharply when it loses its leaves and becomes dormant. In cooler climates, protect it from low temperatures and persistently wet soil.

Frangipani can be propagated from cuttings, but letting the cut end dry thoroughly before planting helps reduce the risk of rot. For more information about Plumeria rubra, see the Royal Horticultural Society’s plant profile. You might also enjoy our legend of the May flower.