Singapore graveyard flower (Plumeria obtusa)

Singapore graveyard flower

Features and Characteristics

Plumeria obtusa, commonly called pagoda tree or white frangipani, is a small, rounded tree of the dogbane family that typically grows to 10-15′ tall but less frequently to 25′ tall. It is native to the Bahamas and the Greater Antilles, but has been introduced into a number of tropical areas around the world. Fragrant, 5-petaled, white flowers (to 1 3/4″ diameter) have showy yellow throats. Flowers bloom in clusters from spring to fall, with heaviest bloom often occurring in July-August. In Hawaii, the flowers are commonly used in leis and to make perfumes. Narrow, obovate, shiny, dark green leaves (to 8″ long) have blunt tips, hence the specific epithet. Fruits are cylindrical seed pods (to 3-5″ long) which are rarely formed in cultivation.

Genus name honors Charles Plumier (1646-170- , French monk of the Franciscan order, botanist and traveller.

Specific epithet means leaves with blunt tips.

Common name of frangipani is from the name of a 16th century Italian nobleman who created a perfume with a similar scent.

Care and Maintenance

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-12 where plants are best grown in rich, dry to medium moisture, well-drained loams in full sun. Tolerates some light shade. Avoid wet soils. Plant foliage remains evergreen in some locations, but is semi-evergreen in climates with dry winter seasons where considerable leaf drop may occur. In cooler climates, plants may be grown in containers with a well-drained sandy potting mix. Container plants must be overwintered indoors with reduced temperatures (50-55 degrees F.) and significantly reduced watering. Easily propagated from stem cuttings.

Singapore graveyard flower (Plumeria obtusa) Requirements

Hardiness zone	10 - 12
Sun light	Full sun
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for scale, mealybugs, thrips, whiteflies and nematodes. Root rot may occur in overly moist soils. For more information see: Problems Common to Many Indoor Plants

Uses

Tropical specimen for frost free areas. Effective near decks and patios or the front porch. For areas north of USDA Zone 10, it must be grown in containers which are overwintered indoors. Widely grown in greenhouses.

Singapore graveyard flower (Plumeria obtusa) Details

Common name	Singapore graveyard flower
Botanical name	Plumeria obtusa
Plant type	Tree
Family	Apocynaceae
Hardiness zone	10 - 12
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	White with yellow throats
Flowering period	Seasonal bloomer
Height	10 - 25 ft.
Width	10 - 25 ft.