Growing Frangipanis

ARE FRANGIPANIS EASY TO GROW?

Frangipanis are very tolerant of most conditions. Overwatering or exposure to frost is the most common cause of failure.

HOW LARGE WILL MY TREE GROW?

Frangipanis can grow up to 6m over a long period of time. Generally they grow at a slow rate of about 200 to 300 mm per year. They are very easily pruned so can be maintained at a desired size. For example, a tree 1.2m high by 600mm wide should reach 3m high by 3m wide in 5-6 years and 4 to 6m high by 5 to 6m wide in 10 to 12 years.

DO FRANGIPANIS LOSE THEIR LEAVES IN WINTER?

Frangipanis are deciduous so will lose their leaves in winter.

DOES THE EVERGREEN OBTUSA OR SINGAPORE FRANGIPANI LOSE ITS LEAVES?

In a sub tropical climate, the Evergreen frangipani will still lose its leaves in winter. Planting it on the north side of a masonry wall will allow the warmth of the sun to be absorbed into the brickwork during the day, providing a warm microclimate at night. This may help to reduce the number of months the tree is without leaves.

WHEN SHOULD I WATER MY FRANGIPANI?

Once a tree has lost its leaves, it is dormant for the colder months and does not need to be watered until showing leaf growth in spring. Then it only needs to be watered when the soil or growing medium is dry as overwatering will destroy the root system.

WHEN SHOULD I FERTILISE MY PLANT?

Fertiliser should be applied in early spring. A complete control release fertiliser high to encourage flowering is ideal. However Frangipanis are not fussy feeders so good results can be obtained from any good quality fertiliser.

CAN I GROW MY TREE IN A POT?

Frangipanis are most happy planted in the ground in full sun but can do well in pots. In colder climates, they can be grown in pots and relocated under cover in the cold months to avoid frost damage.

DO FRANGIPANIS REQUIRE MUCH WATER?

No, they are very drought tolerant once established.

WHAT CLIMATIC CONDITIONS SUIT FRANGIPANIS.

Frangipanis will grow well in any warm, frost free climate.

ARE FRANGIPANIS AFFECTED BY MANY PESTS AND DISEASES?

Frangipanis are very hardy and suffer from few problems. The most common is rust (Coleosporium domingense), a fungal disease which disfigures the leaves but does no long term damage to the plant. It can be seen as golden pustules on the underside of the leaves that appear in summer with heat and high rainfall. Fungicides are stocked by retail nurseries for treatment, if desired.