| Frangipani are hardy and forgiving plants which seem to thrive
on neglect. However, given regular watering and a fertilizer
high in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous, during the flowering
season, they will reward you with more plentiful flowers which
are bigger and stronger in colour.
Six hours direct sunlight daily is required for optimum / maximum flowering. Frangipani's are very drought, salt and fire tolerant plants. They respond well to pruning and grow well in large pots. Do not water in winter once established.
Leaves can be affected by fungus, mould and rust. If needed are best sprayed with a copper based fungicide and whiteoil solution.
Frangipani: The Perfect Flower for Australia's Gardens
Inextricably linked to the tropics Plumeria are now being
successfully grown in all parts of Australia except the Alpine
zones.
Frangipani will grow well in any soil type but prefer a well
drained soil. They will grow in all climates except the severe
frost prone temperate climates. They prefer and grow best
in a hot dry climate. They are very drought and fire hardy.
Therefore they well suited to the Australian climate.
Frangipani: Fertilizing Tips
It is best to keep your frangipani dry during the cooler
months. Frangipani respond best to organic fertilizers which
are high in N.P.K. They love animal manure, fire ash and compost.
The best potting mix is any commercial potting mix with 30%
sand and some slow release fertilizer added.
Frangipani: How to Prune
The trees respond very well to pruning and can be kept at
a preferred size with regular pruning. Different pruning approaches
can be used to create a compact, densely branched tree or
a standard topiary shrub style with long trunk and no lower
branches. To create a densely branched specimen prune branches
to one half or one third of their natural length.
These pruned branches will sprout multiple branches near
the pruned ends. To prune to produce no branches simply prune
branches right back to the main trunk so that no further branching
can occur.
A Well Nourished Plant is a Healthy Plant
Avoid fungal infections by using foliar fungicide sprays.
A mixture of powdered milk powder and white oil or detergent
has been proven to be most effective against rust and powdery
mildew. Keeping plants well nourished helps prevent fungal
infections.
Useful Tips for Frangipani Propagation
Propagation of frangipani is usually from cuttings, which
should be dried out for one week in shade then planted directly
into ground or pots of sand. Water only once per fortnight
until roots have developed. Breeders also propagate from seeds
or by grafting or air layering.
|
