Plumeria rubra makes a beautiful addition to gardens whether planted in the ground or in pots. Originally from the Caribbean and Central America, this tree grows well in many warm parts of the country. In the right environment, it can reach 3 metres in height and crown width.

Plumeria rubra grows its leaves at the tips of thick, grey-green branches. These branches look swollen or sausage-like, feel fleshy, and release a white, milky sap when cut. The tree produces large, sweet-smelling flowers in white, cream, yellow, apricot, pink, and red. It usually blooms from late spring through summer and sometimes into early autumn. The scented flowers attract bees, butterflies and moths to the garden. After flowering, it bears long, hard brown seed pods, which are not very noticeable and do not attract birds or other animals.

You can plant Frangipani as a focal point in the garden, in a large patio pot, or among other shrubs. It grows best in warm, frost-free areas like the Lowveld, KwaZulu-Natal coast, parts of Limpopo, and the Western Cape coast. In Gauteng, where winters bring frost, it is safer to grow it in a container. This allows you to move it indoors or to a sheltered spot during cold spells. You can also protect it with frost cloth on freezing nights.

Frangipani’s sweet fragrance becomes stronger in the evening, making it perfect near patios and outdoor spaces. Once established, it handles dry conditions well, making it a great choice for water-wise gardens. With its bold shape and colourful flowers, this tree keeps your garden looking lively through most of the year.