Plumeria alba aka White Frangipani

Plumeria alba is a small deciduous tree that typically reaches 3-7 meters (10-25 feet) in height with a spread of 3-4 meters. It develops a rounded crown with thick, fleshy branches that emerge from a short trunk. The growth rate is moderate, and the tree may take several years to reach its full size. When grown in containers, it can be maintained at a smaller size through regular pruning and root restriction.

Plumeria alba thrives in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). It cannot tolerate cold temperatures and will begin to drop leaves when temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C) as it enters dormancy. Temperatures below 40-45°F (4-7°C) can cause damage to the plant, and any exposure to frost is potentially fatal. In colder regions, container-grown plants must be brought indoors before nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 50°F.

Plumeria alba flowers produce a sweet, intensely fragrant scent that is most pronounced in the early morning and at dusk. The fragrance has been described as having floral notes reminiscent of jasmine and gardenia, combined with fruity undertones of coconut, peach, and vanilla. The scent is particularly strong at night when the flowers attract hawkmoth pollinators. This distinctive fragrance is the basis for the famous 'frangipani' perfume scent.

Plumeria alba produces clusters of highly fragrant white flowers with yellow centers from May through November. Each flower is 5-7.5 cm (2-4 inches) in diameter, consisting of five overlapping petals arranged in a pinwheel pattern. The flowers appear in terminal clusters at the branch tips and each bloom lasts several days. For best flowering, the plant requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily and a high-phosphorus fertilizer during the growing season.

Plumeria alba can grow outdoors year-round only in USDA zones 10-11, where temperatures remain consistently warm. In these tropical and subtropical regions, it thrives as a landscape tree in full sun with well-drained soil. The plant is fairly drought and salt-tolerant once established, making it suitable for coastal areas. In colder zones (9 and below), it must be grown in containers and overwintered indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F.

Plumeria alba is most easily propagated from cuttings taken in spring or summer. Cut a branch 12-18 inches long, remove leaves, and allow the cut end to callous (dry and harden) in a shaded area for 5-15 days depending on climate. Once calloused, plant the cutting about 2 inches deep in well-draining soil. Roots typically develop in 45-90 days. Seeds can also be used but don't grow true to the parent plant. Cuttings are preferred as they produce identical plants and may flower sooner.

Prune Plumeria alba in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a node where a leaf attaches. Each cut typically produces 2-3 new branches, which helps create a fuller plant. Remove no more than one-third of the plant at once to avoid stress. Avoid autumn pruning as it may stimulate vulnerable new growth before winter. Wait 2-3 weeks after pruning before fertilizing to allow recovery.

Repot Plumeria alba in spring when temperatures consistently exceed 50°F. Young plants benefit from repotting every 1-2 years, while established plants can go 2-3 years between repottings. Signs it's time to repot include roots growing from drainage holes, roots circling on the soil surface, or stunted growth despite proper care. Choose a pot only 2-4 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Note that plumeria have relatively small root systems for their size and don't need excessively large pots.

The most common issue is plumeria rust (Coleosporium plumeriae), a fungal disease causing yellow spots on upper leaf surfaces and orange powdery pustules underneath. Common pests include spider mites (creating fine webbing), mealybugs (white cottony masses), scale insects (immobile bumps), and whiteflies. Treat rust by removing affected leaves and applying fungicide. For pests, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or strong water sprays. Maintain good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Yellow leaves on Plumeria alba commonly indicate overwatering, causing root rot where leaves yellow from the bottom up with mushy roots. Underwatering can also cause yellowing, typically accompanied by crispy leaf edges. Nitrogen deficiency causes uniform yellowing of older, lower leaves while veins may stay green. Normal seasonal leaf drop occurs when temperatures fall below 50°F. Check soil moisture first: if soggy, reduce watering; if dry, water more consistently. For nutrient deficiency, apply balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Brown leaf tips and edges on Plumeria alba often indicate fertilizer burn from excess salts in the soil. Look for white crusty deposits on the soil surface as confirmation. Underwatering causes brown, crispy edges with dry soil. Potassium deficiency creates brown margins on leaf edges. To fix fertilizer burn, flush the soil thoroughly with water several times and reduce fertilizer application. During hot weather, slow down fertilizing to avoid burn. If brown spots appear with orange undersides, suspect plumeria rust fungal disease.

Drooping leaves typically signal water stress or temperature problems. Underwatering causes wilting as the plant loses turgor pressure—check if soil is dry and water thoroughly. Overwatering leads to root rot where roots can't absorb water, causing wilting despite wet soil—look for yellowing leaves and mushy roots. Cold stress below 50°F also causes drooping and eventual leaf drop as the plant enters dormancy. Ensure proper drainage, water only when soil is dry, and protect from cold temperatures below 45-50°F.

Leaf drop in Plumeria alba is normal during winter dormancy when temperatures fall below 50°F—the plant naturally drops leaves and enters a rest period. However, abnormal leaf drop can occur from insufficient water during hot summer months, causing premature dormancy. Overwatering-induced root rot, cold shock from sudden temperature changes, or severe pest infestations (especially rust fungus) can also trigger leaf loss. If drop occurs outside of winter, evaluate watering practices and check for disease symptoms.

Plumeria alba employs deceptive pollination, attracting hawkmoths at night with its strong fragrance while offering no nectar reward. The tubular white flowers with yellow centers are adapted for moth pollination, with their intense nighttime scent drawing these nocturnal insects. Despite the fragrance, the flowers produce no nectar, relying solely on the scent to trick pollinators into visiting. In cultivation, pollination is not necessary for flower production but is required for seed development.

Plumeria alba is native to the Caribbean region, specifically Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles (including islands from Anguilla to Grenada). According to the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, it grows naturally in coastal thickets of these Caribbean islands. The species has been widely introduced to tropical regions worldwide, including Southeast Asia (Bangladesh, Assam) and other tropical areas, where it is cultivated for its ornamental value and cultural significance.

Plumeria alba has extensive traditional medicinal uses documented in Ayurveda and Caribbean folk medicine. The latex is applied topically for skin conditions including ulcers, herpes, and scabies, and is used as a purgative, cardiotonic, and diuretic. Bark is applied as a plaster for tumors, seeds have hemostatic properties for stopping bleeding, and flowers treat fever, cough, and diarrhea. Modern research has identified antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory compounds in the plant. Note that the latex can cause skin irritation and the plant should not be ingested without proper preparation.

Beyond its medicinal properties, Plumeria alba has significant cultural and industrial uses. The intensely fragrant flowers are extracted for frangipani perfume, one of the classic tropical scents in the perfumery industry. In Hawaiian culture, the flowers are used for making leis. In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the tree holds sacred significance and flowers are used in temple offerings—the flowering tree is a common motif in Indian temple sculpture. Women in Hindu culture traditionally wear the flowers in their hair on wedding days to symbolize loyalty.