TreesPlumeria rubra
Frangipani
Frangipani is a tropical tree famed for its intoxicatingly fragrant flowers in soft shades of pink, white and yellow. The waxy blooms appear in clusters at the tips of thick, fleshy branches from May to October. In winter the tree sheds its leaves, revealing an elegantly branched silhouette.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 300–800 cm
- Spread
- 200–500 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 10–12
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- pink, white, yellow
- Wildlife value
- butterflies, bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Place in the warmest, sunniest spot available. Plant in light, well-drained soil. Water regularly during the growing season but let the soil dry between waterings. During the leafless winter dormancy, water sparingly. Overwinter in a frost-free location above 10°C.
Pruning tips
Prune in early spring before new foliage emerges. Remove crossing and damaged branches. The milky sap can cause skin irritation — wear gloves. Flowers appear at branch tips, so avoid cutting back too hard.
Good companions
ShrubsHibiscus rosa-sinensis
Chinese Hibiscus
Chinese hibiscus is a tropical shrub with glossy dark green foliage and large, funnel-shaped flowers in fiery red, pink or orange that can appear year-round. Each flower lasts only one day, but the plant continuously produces new buds. As a container plant it brings tropical flair to terraces and conservatories.
ClimbersBougainvillea spectabilis
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a spectacular climber famed for its overwhelming mass of brightly coloured bracts in pink, purple or red. The true flowers are small and white, hidden among the showy bracts. This vigorous plant covers walls and pergolas in a dazzling tapestry of colour from May to October.
PerennialsStrelitzia reginae
Bird of Paradise
The bird of paradise is a striking tropical plant with sturdy, blue-green, banana-like leaves and spectacular flowers resembling the head of an exotic bird. The blooms combine vivid orange sepals with sky-blue petals and appear almost year-round. An architectural showpiece as a container plant.