Seen in Bermuda at least from the end of the nineteenth century, frangipani trees are popular choices since for much of the year they add fragrance and beauty to both small and large gardens while being extremely easy to grow. They thrive in warm temperatures and high humidity.
Two kinds are commonly grown in Bermuda: P. rubra and P. alba. P. rubra flowers range in colour from red, pink and orange to white, cream and yellow. Deciduous, its flowers and leaves appear in spring and summer while dropping in the winter. It is native to Mexico and Panama. P. alba, also known as West Indian jasmine or nosegay, has evergreen foliage and white flowers with soft yellow centres. Flowers in all varieties are five-petalled and shaped like pinwheels. They grow at the tips of branches, often appearing before the leaves.
Growing Frangipani
Plant in well-drained sandy soil in a sunny position. Avoid soggy soil since frangipanis are prone to root rot.
Dig a hole three times as large as the nursery container or base of the plant. Water deeply and regularly and let soil dry out between each watering.
Frangipani can be successfully grown in pots. Water more frequently and fertilise once a month during the growing season. Propagate from cuttings.
Tips
After being pollinated, often by hawk moths, frangipani produce pods containing many seeds. But pollination is quite rare and if seeds are produced they can take five months to become viable. Seedlings take up to five years to mature and blossom. Propagation by cuttings is therefore much easier.
Branches broken during windy weather can easily be rooted.
Wear gloves while handling frangipani cuttings since its branches contain a latex sap which causes eye and skin irritations.
Did You Know?
Ever since 1929, when the Bermuda Perfume Factory was founded in Hamilton Parish, frangipani has been used in the making of Bermuda perfumes.
For Buddhists, frangipani is a symbol of immortality because of the ease with which it can be propagated through cuttings. Even when uprooted, it produces leaves and flowers.
In Hawaii, the flowers are threaded into leis or garlands worn during celebrations and presented as welcoming gifts. A single flower worn behind the ear can indicate relationship status for girls. A flower worn behind the right ear means seeking a relationship, behind the left year means committed.
Frangipani is closely related to oleander.
It’s botanical name dates back to 1700 in honour of monk and botanist Charles Plumier, who was appointed botanist to King Louis XIV of France. From 1703 to 1704 he wrote Nova Plantarum Americanarum Genera as a result of three botany expeditions to the West Indies. Born in 1646, he died in 1704.
