Nosegaytree
Plumeria alba · Apocynaceae
📷 Doug from Troutville, VA, USA · CC BY 2.0
⚠️ Chiens, chats et enfants : sève, fleurs et feuilles toxiques par ingestion, causant troubles digestifs et dermatite.
The gardener's calendar
Nosegaytree is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, green oblong and elongated leaves
- Flowering
- May to September, very fragrant white flowers
- Mature size
- 4 m in height, spreading and branched habit
- Growth
- Moderate to fast in warm climates
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, grow in a pot or tropical climate (min. 15 °C)
- Origin
- West Indies, Central America and Mexico
- Soil type
- Well-draining, light, tolerant of poor soil
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Water generously during the growing season (May-September) as it transpires heavily, then stop watering almost completely in winter to force dormancy. It flowers on last year's wood: only prune after flowering.
The common mistake
Watering it in winter or keeping it too warm indoors: it will refuse to flower the following year and become infested with pests.
The pro's trick
Move it to a cold veranda (10-15°C) from October to February if you have the space: the temperature shock will trigger abundant flowering in May.
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the spring and summer growth period, keeping the soil moist without waterlogging. Reduce watering significantly in winter and during the dormant period. In a pot, let the soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Light exposure
Place the white plumeria in direct sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day to encourage generous flowering. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade can be beneficial. Insufficient light drastically reduces flower formation.
Pruning and shaping
Prune after the flowering period or in late winter, before growth resumes. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches and shorten shoots to balance the shape. This plant heals well and appreciates an airy structure.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer or one slightly rich in phosphorus and potassium every 3 to 4 weeks during growth and flowering. Stop fertilizing in autumn and winter. Too much nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Substrate and drainage
Use a well-draining mix made up of potting soil, sand and mineral elements (pumice, clay pellets). Plumeria hates stagnant moisture and compact soils. In a pot, ensure optimal drainage with clear drainage holes.
Prevention and diseases
Regularly check for mealybugs and spider mites, especially indoors or in dry climates. Root rot and fungal diseases result from excess water; improve aeration and drainage. Yellow foliage may indicate nutrient deficiency or root problems.
Did you know?
White plumeria is revered in many tropical cultures: in Southeast Asia, its white flowers are offered in Buddhist and Hindu temples as a symbol of purity. The intoxicating fragrance of Plumeria alba has also inspired the mythical flowers of Polynesian and Caribbean gardens, where it remains a must-have feature of idyllic landscapes.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.