Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Plumeria pudica

Plumeria pudica is an evergreen to semi-deciduous species with white flowers that continue to develop whenever the plant is in active growth. A mature plant may remain in bloom for 185 days of the year. The 3-inch diameter flowers are white with a yellow center and emerge in clusters at the stem tips. Plant in full sun for the maximum number of blooms. Unfortunately, the flowers of this species have no fragrance.
Leaves are fiddle-shaped or spoon-like, with a wide lobe at the distal end and coming to a point at the apex. They may be up to a foot long, but are generally smaller unless grown in ideal conditions.
The foliage is evergreen except during periods of prolonged cold or drought. Periodic pruning of the stem tips just before the spring growth will keep the plant full and bushy, especially if done when the plant is young. Mature plants reach about 12 feet in height by 8 feet wide.
Plumeria pudica is native to Panama, Colombia and Venezuela. It is recommended for USDA Zones 9B to 11. This plant is also sometimes known as Bridal Bouquet and Fiddle-leaf plumeria.

Related species: Plumeria rubra

5 comments:

Mark and Gaz said...

Plumerias are such classic plants that exudes tropics, lovely!

Sunchowder said...

Just beautiful Jim!

lotusleaf said...

These flowers are so pretty! We call them by the more romantic name of Frangipani.

Roslyn said...

One of my favourites, and like lotusleaf, we call them frangipanis in Australia.

Gardening with Juanita said...

I have never heard of this one. I wrote the name down. I live in zone 9 in Arkansaw, USA. Lovely I am going to try it