Frangipani, Plumeria rubra, is one of the most beloved tropical flowering trees in the world, known for its richly scented blooms and its association with warm climates, relaxation, and summer. It is native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, where it has been grown for centuries in villages, temples, and home gardens. Over time it spread across the Pacific and Asia, becoming deeply embedded in Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Southeast Asian culture. Today it is a classic feature tree throughout coastal and subtropical Australia.
Frangipani flowers are beautifully perfumed and come in shades of white, pink, red, yellow, and multicolour blends depending on the variety. Plumeria rubra is especially known for its strong fragrance and vibrant colours. The blossoms are waxy and long lasting, with a sweet, warm, fruity scent that intensifies in the heat of the day. While not eaten as a food, the flowers have been used in traditional medicine and cultural ceremonies, and the milky sap was historically used for herbal preparations, though it can be irritating to skin.
This tree is also valued in gardens for its hardiness and drought tolerance. Plumeria rubra is deciduous, dropping its leaves in winter before bursting into flower in the warmer months. It has a naturally sculptural shape with thick, smooth branches and leathery leaves. In Australia it performs best in warm, sunny climates, though it can be grown in cooler regions in large pots and protected from frost. Because it stores moisture in its branches, it tolerates dry periods extremely well and needs little maintenance once established.
How to Grow From Seed:
Sow frangipani seeds in spring or early summer when temperatures are warm.
Use a well-draining seed raising mix and plant seeds about half to one centimetre deep, placing them horizontally or with the winged end slightly exposed.
Keep the mix lightly moist but never waterlogged. Germination can take two to six weeks depending on warmth.
Once seedlings develop several leaves, transplant them into small pots, using a free-draining mix such as cactus or coarse potting blend.
Provide plenty of sunlight and acclimatise them gradually to outdoor conditions.
Plant into the garden or larger pots once they are strong and the weather is reliably warm.
Frangipani trees grown from seed take longer to flower than cuttings, often three to five years, but they reward patient gardeners with uniquely coloured blooms not always identical to the parent.
