Plumeria rubra 'Hawaiian' - Hawaiian Frangipani

With its exotic, beautifully scented flowers and glossy tropical foliage, Plumeria rubra ‘Hawaiian’ brings a taste of the tropics to your home or conservatory. Often associated with the famous Hawaiian leis, this stunning small tree produces clusters of colourful blooms with a rich, sweet fragrance throughout the warmer months. Although slow-growing indoors in the UK, it rewards patience with spectacular flowers and an unmistakably tropical appearance.

Scientific Name
Plumeria rubra ‘Hawaiian’ (frangipani)

The genus Plumeria belongs to the Apocynaceae family, alongside plants such as Oleander (Nerium) and Desert Rose (Adenium). ‘Hawaiian’ is a cultivated form of Plumeria rubra, selected for its vibrant flowers and strong perfume. Despite its common association with Hawaii, the species is not native there but has become an iconic ornamental throughout the islands.

Common Name
Frangipani, Hawaiian Frangipani, Temple Tree

Origin
Derived from Plumeria rubra, which is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America. It has since become widely cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Hawaii.

Light
Requires as much light as possible to thrive. A bright south-facing window or conservatory is ideal, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Insufficient light will reduce flowering and can lead to leggy growth.

Water
Water thoroughly during the growing season, allowing the compost to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during autumn and winter, especially if the plant loses its leaves and enters dormancy. Never leave the roots sitting in water.

Humidity
Average household humidity is usually sufficient. Higher humidity can encourage stronger growth during summer, but good air circulation is equally important.

Soil
Use a very free-draining compost, such as a cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or grit. Excellent drainage is essential to prevent root rot.

Food
Feed every 2–3 waters during spring and summer with a high-potassium fertiliser to encourage flowering. Stop feeding once the plant becomes dormant in autumn.

Temp
Prefers temperatures between 18–30°C. Protect from temperatures below 10°C, as frangipani is not frost hardy and can be damaged by cold conditions.

Pet-safe
No. Like other members of the Apocynaceae family, Plumeria produces a milky sap that is toxic if ingested and may cause irritation to the skin or eyes.

Sprouts Top Tips
Don’t be alarmed if your frangipani drops all of its leaves during autumn or winter—this is a completely natural part of its dormant cycle. Keep it warm, reduce watering, and new growth will emerge when temperatures and light levels increase in spring.

Extras
Frangipani can spend the summer outdoors in a warm, sheltered, sunny position once all risk of frost has passed. Gradually acclimatise it to direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch, and remember to bring it back indoors before night temperatures begin to cool.

Did You Know?
Despite being commonly known as the Hawaiian Frangipani, Plumeria rubra is not native to Hawaii. It was introduced to the islands centuries ago and became famous for its beautifully scented flowers, which are traditionally woven into the iconic Hawaiian lei garlands.