The Frangipani (Plumeria sp. and cvrs.) is a small tree usually ranging between 5-8 metres in height with a canopy often as wide. They are a slow-growing tree at about 20cm per year with a small rootball. This makes them the ideal tree to grow in small spaces, pool areas, small garden beds and not fear the damage of spreading roots into the housing structure. They enjoy the full sun with free-draining to sandy soil. This deciduous tropical plant originated from Mexico, which is why they thrive in the hot climates of Australia. They may need the occasional watering over summer but don’t require regular watering over winter. Their beautiful brightly coloured, fragrant flowers are usually seen in the warmer seasons – typically December through to April.
It is impressive to see the vast array of colours this small tree can produce – ranging from white with a yellow centre to striking oranges, pinks, reds or even mixtures of yellow-pink-orange mixes.
When you think of the word Frangipani, you think of the typical white coloured flower with the vibrant yellow centres. However, there are many different types of Frangipani. They range from the Common White Frangipani which has the typical white, creamy coloured flower with vibrant yellow in the middle. This flower has a strong scent. Darwin Petite Pink is a dwarf breed of Frangipani with pale pink to white flowers. The Tricoloured/Fruit Salad Frangipani has a striking multi-coloured (red, yellow and pink) flower. Darwin Blood Red Frangipani has vibrant blood-red flowers where the fragrance can be amplified once picking the flowers. Bali Whirl Frangipani has the first doubled petalled flower. These highly scented flowers are yellow with white edging. Darwin Blues Frangipani has lilac to blue petals. The Little Rainbow Frangipani is a new variety with white/pink petals and a vibrant orange to apricot middle. Singapore White Frangipani is a popular variety with orange, yellow and white flowers. The Pink Frangipani can vary from dark pinks with an orange middle to pale pinks with a yellow centre. Black Jack Red Frangipani is a new variety with rich red flowers. And lastly the Darwin Yellow Frangipani with a deep yellow centre which follows out to a light yellow outer edge of the flower.
If you notice a change in the Frangipani, i.e. discolouring of leaves and orange spots on the undersurface of leaves your tree may have rust. Once a week, give the leaves a thorough spray with a fungicide. Ensure any fallen leaves are moved from the area and placed in the bin. The Frangipani tree can also be at risk of developing branch, tip and root rot, caused by a fungus. A simple method to check on the health of the tree is to squeeze the stems. A healthy tree will have a firm stem. If the stems become wrinkled, this is a sign that the tree is not healthy. To lower the risk of your tree developing rot, it is recommended to reduce the water intake to the tree over the colder months.
Another recommendation is every few years thinning 20% of the canopy to allow light in and reduces the chance of stem rot. This would only be suitable for mature Frangipani trees.
This tree has a small root ball which makes it an easy job for our stump grinding machines to remove. Give Just Stumpgrinding a call today for any stump grinding needs.
