Planting This Easy-To-Grow Tree Will Add A Lovely Tropical Feel To Your Yard

Frangipani (Plumeria rubra) trees are a favorite among gardeners looking to create a tropical, resort-style landscape without the maintenance demands of more finicky plants. Native to warm climates like the West Indies and Central and South America, these flowering trees thrive in sunny environments and reward growers with striking blossoms and a sweet, fruit-like fragrance that fills the air for months. Often included in any well-loved list of tropical trees, frangipani stands out for its unique mix of hardiness and beauty. Many people know frangipanis for their white and yellow flowers, but the tree produces a much wider range of colors than most expect. 

Varieties closer to the equator bloom in deeper pinks, oranges, and layered sunset tones. The flowers have a smooth, wax-like finish and tend to appear steadily from late spring through early fall, especially in sunny spots. But the tree's tropical look can be misleading. It's actually a hardy plant that handles tough conditions well. Once it takes root, frangipani manages heat and drought without much trouble. It can even survive extreme conditions, only burning at temperatures above 500 degrees Fahrenheit. 

In home gardens, most varieties remain under 10 feet tall, though in their native climate, they can reach up to 25 feet. For those in cooler regions, it's also possible to grow frangipani indoors, especially in containers placed near bright, sunny windows. One thing to note is that the plant's thick stems carry a milky sap that can irritate the skin. Wearing gloves when pruning or repotting helps avoid contact. But overall, frangipani trees are a reliable and striking addition to warm-climate landscapes, offering both beauty and resilience in equal measure.

If you live in a cooler climate, growing frangipani in a container is the smartest choice. These trees are sensitive to cold, and a hard frost can permanently damage their soft stems and roots. To give your frangipani the best chance in a container, choose a pot with excellent drainage.  Make sure there are proper drain holes in the flower pot to prevent water from collecting at the bottom, which can lead to root rot. Fill it with a loose, well-draining soil mix. Position your pot in a sunny location and water only when the soil dries out, typically from spring through early autumn. Avoid fertilizing for at least a month after repotting. In off-years, you can simply refresh the top inch or two of compost to keep nutrients balanced. 

However, when space and weather work in your favor, planting frangipani directly in the soil can be as rewarding as growing it in a container. Frangipani performs best in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 12, where winters are mild and the soil has time to warm up early in the season. Late spring or early summer is the ideal time to plant, giving roots a chance to settle in before active growth begins. Choose a sunny, open spot with soil that drains well. To build on the tropical effect, pair your tree with thoughtfully chosen companion plants. Blue chalksticks make a great groundcover, and African daisies add bursts of color along the edges. In shadier spots, bleeding heart and clivia bring in lush texture and soft movement that pair well with frangipani's bold form.