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Overview
Plumeria rubra or the Red Frangipani is a popular, large, deciduous shrub or small tree with rounded canopy of leaves that are long, oval, pointed at the tip with a veined appearance.
The splendid five-petalled flowers are richly fragrant and pale-pink to crimson in colour, with a matte lustre to them.
The branches are plump, weak and fleshy, containing a poisonous, milky sap.
It makes a very colourful, tropical statement in any warm garden and are easy to cultivate.
Soil: Reasonably fertile, well drained soils - doesn't mind it light and sandy.
Maintenance: It looks after itself very well - no need to fertilise and don't over water.
To propagate take a cutting in spring, let it dry out for a week or two then plant in a good potting mix, it will take root quite easily providing the mix is kept moist but not overly wet.
Diseases: Root rot with too much water.
Toxicity: Most species of the Apocynaceae family, including Frangipani contain alkaloids and all plant parts are toxic.
Skin contact with the thick milky sap can result in skin irritation and in sensitive persons it can cause rashes and blisters, while ingestion can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
However as an entomophilous plant, the Frangipani does not cause allergic reactions.
Other Species: 8 species including Plumaeria obtusa, with white flowers and will be evergreen in tropical climates.
A popular cultivar of Plumeria rubra has been created called 'Tri-Colour' which has yellow, orange and red banded flowers, creating a very exotic look.
Another stunning cultivar is Plumeria rubra 'Paul Weissich' - this vigorous plant was named in honor of the director of Foster Botanic Garden.
Comments: Named after Charles Plumier, a French botanist
Author: Bob Saunders.