Overview

Frangipani is a small tropical tree celebrated for fragrant, waxy flowers and sculptural gray branches.

Mature Size and Habit

A landscape plant often reaches 10 to 20 feet tall and develops a broad, open crown, though size responds to cultivar and pruning. Thick branches hold clusters of long leaves and become especially visible during winter dormancy.

Best Landscape Uses

Feature it near a sunny patio, in a fragrance garden, as a tropical specimen, or in a large movable container.

Sunlight

Provide full sun for compact branching and abundant bloom.

Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation

Use a loose, fast-draining soil and never leave roots in saturated ground. Water during establishment, then let the upper soil dry between deep irrigations. Established plants tolerate seasonal drought and some coastal exposure.

Best Planting Season for Tampa and Central Florida

Plant after the threat of late frost, ideally from March through early summer. Roots establish quickly in warm soil, giving the plant a full growing season before cooler weather reaches Tampa and Central Florida.

Pruning and Maintenance

Prune lightly after flowering or before spring growth to remove damaged wood and improve structure. Avoid severe routine cutting, sterilize tools, monitor for plumeria rust, and clear infected fallen leaves from beneath the canopy.

Wildlife Value

Fragrant flowers attract visiting moths and other pollinators, though nectar rewards vary.

Cold and Heat Sensitivity

Heat and humidity suit this tree, but cold is its main limitation. Frost damages leaves and branch tips, and hard freezes cause serious injury. Inland Central Florida sites benefit from walls, courtyards, and winter protection.

Safety, Roots, and Placement Warnings

Broken stems release milky sap that irritates skin and eyes, and plant parts pose a concern if pets chew them. Keep it away from heavy traffic, wear gloves, and allow room for brittle branches and surface roots.

Invasive Concerns

Frangipani is not regarded as invasive in Florida landscapes. Seed production is limited in many cultivated forms, yet unwanted seedlings or discarded cuttings should be removed instead of placed near natural areas.

Helpful Resources

Consult the UF/IFAS plumeria profile for Florida guidance on hardiness, sun, drainage, drought response, salt exposure, pruning, propagation, and plumeria rust.