Mexican Plumeria
Plumeria rubra
Also listed as Plumeria acuminata, Plumeria acutifolia
Also known as Frangipani, Red-jasmine, Templetree
Climate Match for your location
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A deciduous shrub prized for its fragrant, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, yellow, or white that appear before the leaves in spring. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and ideal for warm, dry climates.
Why grow it
Plumeria rubra offers ornamental value comparable to other tropical deciduous shrubs but with notably lower water requirements once established, making it practical for xeriscaping in warm regions. Its pre-leaf flowering habit distinguishes it from many ornamental shrubs and provides visual interest in early spring when other plants are still dormant. Unlike some plumeria species, P. rubra tolerates a broader range of soil conditions and can succeed in containers or in-ground gardens with minimal amendment.
Watch out for
This plant requires consistent warmth and will decline or drop foliage if exposed to temperatures below 50°F for extended periods, limiting it to USDA zones 10-11 or requiring seasonal indoor placement in cooler climates. Overwatering during dormancy is a common failure point; soil should dry substantially between waterings during winter months. Pest infestations by spider mites and scale insects can occur in dry indoor conditions, requiring monitoring if the plant is grown indoors seasonally.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apocynaceae
Native Range
Mexico
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A deciduous shrub prized for its fragrant, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, yellow, or white that appear before the leaves in spring. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and ideal for warm, dry climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Mexican Plumeria grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Plumeria rubra offers ornamental value comparable to other tropical deciduous shrubs but with notably lower water requirements once established, making it practical for xeriscaping in warm regions. Its pre-leaf flowering habit distinguishes it from many ornamental shrubs and provides visual interest in early spring when other plants are still dormant. Unlike some plumeria species, P. rubra tolerates a broader range of soil conditions and can succeed in containers or in-ground gardens with minimal amendment.
Watch out for
This plant requires consistent warmth and will decline or drop foliage if exposed to temperatures below 50°F for extended periods, limiting it to USDA zones 10-11 or requiring seasonal indoor placement in cooler climates. Overwatering during dormancy is a common failure point; soil should dry substantially between waterings during winter months. Pest infestations by spider mites and scale insects can occur in dry indoor conditions, requiring monitoring if the plant is grown indoors seasonally.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apocynaceae
Native Range
Mexico
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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