Actual size and flowering may vary slightly based on season.
Plumeria
Plumeria is the fragrant flower used in Hawaiian leis, with thick branches tipped in clusters of scented blooms from summer into fall. In the Valley it does best with morning sun and afternoon shade, often in a large pot. It drops its leaves and rests through winter, then leafs out again in spring. The scent carries in the morning and evening.
Best for: fragrant summer flowers on a patio, large pots you can move for the seasons, and a warm, protected spot with afternoon shade.
Clusters of fragrant flowers open from summer into fall, scenting the air most in the morning and evening. Put it near a seat or door where you will smell it.
In the Valley it is often grown in a large pot. Move it to full sun in spring and fall, a covered patio in the worst summer heat, and a frost-free spot in winter.
In the ground, a southeast corner works well. It gets morning sun and summer afternoon shade, then full winter sun. Dig a hole at least 2 feet wide and deep.
It needs protection on nights near 30°F. Wet soil while it is bare in winter can rot the roots. Harsh afternoon sun can burn the branches.
- Full size types8-10 ft apart
- Compact and dwarf types4-6 ft apart
- From walls and walkways4-6 ft
In summer, soak it until water drains out, and water potted plants at least twice a week. Cut back in mid fall as it slows. While bare in winter, water once a month or less.
Morning sun until about noon, or bright filtered shade, protects the branches in summer. Full sun is fine in spring and fall. Move it gradually into more sun so it does not scorch.
It drops its leaves when nights fall below about 50°F. Keep the soil nearly dry. On nights near 30°F, cover it with frost cloth or move pots under cover or indoors.
Start feeding once spring growth shows, using a high-phosphorus bloom fertilizer. Feed every few weeks through August. Stop in fall and never feed while it is dormant.
Drainage test first. Dig the hole and fill it with water. If water is still sitting in the hole a day later, you likely hit caliche, clay or hard soil, so fix the drainage before planting. If it drains very fast, the soil is sandy. Standing water around roots is a common reason new plants fail.
Weed cloth. Cut it away from the planting hole and where the roots will spread. Remove any plastic sheeting completely, since it keeps water and air out of the soil.
Rock or decomposed granite with no soil underneath. Bring in soil close in texture to your native soil, mix it with the soil below, and build up enough depth for roots before planting.
If you can break through. Use a breaker bar, pick, or jackhammer. Dig through the caliche and break out the solid chunks. Backfill with the soil you dug out, with no compost or manure in the hole. Confirm drainage before planting.
If you cannot break through. Dig narrow holes through the hard layer beside the root ball, not under it, and refill them with the same soil, not gravel. If it still will not drain, plant on a low mound of the same soil.
Root ball. Check the outside edges for any roots circling around. Loosen or cut those so they grow outward. Do not break up the center of the root ball.
Depth. The top of the root ball should sit at or just slightly above the surrounding soil level. Planting too deep can lead to rot and kill the plant.
Drip emitters. At planting, put the emitters on the root ball, on different sides of the plant. After about 2 months, move them to the outer edge of the root ball. Over the first year, add emitters farther out toward the edge of the branches as roots grow. Once a plant is rooted, never water only at the trunk.
Can plumeria grow in the ground in Phoenix?
Yes, in the right spot. A southeast corner with afternoon shade in summer and full sun in winter works well. Many Valley growers keep them in large pots so they can move them.
How much sun does plumeria need in Arizona?
Morning sun with afternoon shade or bright filtered shade in summer. Full sun is fine in spring and fall. Harsh afternoon sun can burn the branches.
How often should I water plumeria?
In summer, potted plants need water at least twice a week, soaked until water runs out the bottom. Water less as fall arrives. In winter, water once a month or less.
Why is my plumeria dropping its leaves?
It goes dormant when nights drop below about 50°F. The leaves yellow and fall. This is normal, so keep it nearly dry until spring growth starts.
How cold can plumeria take?
Brief dips near 33°F, but longer cold does damage, especially to young plants. Protect it below about 30°F with frost cloth, or move pots under cover or indoors.
When does plumeria bloom?
From late spring or midsummer into fall. The flowers are fragrant, with scents like rose, jasmine, gardenia or citrus depending on the plant.
What is the biggest mistake with plumeria?
Overwatering, especially in winter while it is bare. Wet, cold soil rots the roots. Use light, fast-draining soil and let it dry out.
Should I fertilize plumeria?
Yes, while it is growing. Once spring growth shows, feed with a high-phosphorus bloom fertilizer every few weeks through August. Never feed while it is dormant.
Does plumeria sap irritate skin?
The milky sap from broken branches can irritate skin and eyes in some people. Wear gloves when pruning or taking cuttings.
Plumeria for sale in Arizona, delivered to you
Plumeria brings Hawaiian lei flowers and scent to Valley patios. Here is what to know: where to plant it, afternoon shade, pots vs the ground, summer and winter watering, frost, bloom time and feeding.
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Can you grow plumeria in Phoenix?
Yes. Give it morning sun and afternoon shade, fast-draining soil and frost protection. Many Valley growers use large pots so they can move them with the seasons.
Plumeria in pots vs the ground in Arizona
Pots let you move it for summer shade and winter cover but need more water. Plants in the ground root deeper; pick a southeast corner.
How to water plumeria in summer and winter
Soak it in summer, with pots watered at least twice a week. In winter, while it is bare, water once a month or less.
How cold is too cold for plumeria?
Brief dips near 33°F are usually fine, but longer cold does damage. Protect it below about 30°F.
Why does my plumeria lose its leaves in winter?
It goes dormant when nights drop below about 50°F. Yellowing and leaf drop are normal. Keep it nearly dry until spring.
Best fertilizer for plumeria blooms
A high-phosphorus bloom fertilizer once spring growth starts, every few weeks through August. Skip feeding while it is dormant.
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