I am a small, deciduous tree or large shrub with thick, succulent branches and large, leathery leaves clustered at the branch tips.
My flowers are my crowning glory—waxy, five-petaled blooms in shades of white, yellow, pink, or red, often with a contrasting center.
I'm famous for my heavenly fragrance, which is strongest in the evening to attract my pollinator, the hawk moth.
In India, I'm considered sacred and often planted near temples and in gardens for my spiritual significance.

I am native to tropical regions of the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico, but I have been lovingly adopted and naturalized across India and Southeast Asia.

I am drought-tolerant once established, but appreciate regular watering during the growing season.
Water me deeply once a week when I'm actively growing and flowering.
I need very little water during my dormant period in winter—overwatering can cause root rot.

I am a sun worshipper! I need full, direct sunlight to bloom profusely.
At least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily will give you the most spectacular floral display.
I can tolerate some light shade but may produce fewer flowers.

I thrive in warm, tropical climates between 18°C and 35°C.
I'm sensitive to frost and cold—protect me when temperatures drop below 10°C.
I'm perfect for coastal areas as I'm salt-tolerant.

Choose a sunny, well-draining location with plenty of space for my spreading canopy.

Prepare a sandy, well-draining soil mix—I dislike waterlogged conditions.

Plant me at the same depth as I was in my nursery container.

Water thoroughly after planting, then reduce frequency as I establish.

Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage branching.

I can also be grown in large containers in cooler climates.

Feed me with a high-phosphorus fertilizer (like NPK 10-30-10) every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote blooming.
A balanced fertilizer can be used if phosphorus-specific isn't available.
Stop fertilizing in winter when I'm dormant.

Scientific Name: Plumeria spp.

Common Names: Frangipani, Temple Tree, Champa, Deva Ganneru

Plant Family: Apocynaceae

Plant Type: Outdoor flowering tree/shrub

All parts of me are toxic if ingested by humans or animals. My milky sap can also cause skin irritation—handle with care!

While I'm mainly grown for my ornamental and fragrant qualities, I do contribute to cleaner air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Produces incredibly fragrant flowers perfect for garlands and decorations

Drought-tolerant and relatively low maintenance

Long flowering season from spring through fall

Beautiful architectural form even when not in bloom

Cultural and spiritual significance in Indian traditions

Rust fungus - Orange spots on leaves, especially in humid conditions

Mealybugs - Can infest stems and flower buds

Black tip fungus - Causes blackening of branch tips

Root rot - From overwatering or poor drainage

Poor flowering - Usually due to insufficient sunlight or over-fertilizing with nitrogen

I am a long-lived tree! With proper care, I can thrive for 50 years or more, growing more beautiful and fragrant with each passing season. I become a cherished part of family gardens, often passed down through generations!