We regret that John Warrington, who has been contributing ‘A Gardener’s Diary’ for many years, has indicated that he will not be able to continue with the column. Sunday Stabroek is grateful for the invaluable information on plants and gardens he provided for so long, and wishes him all the best for the future.
Plumeria is a tropical flowering shrub. To say that plumeria is a merely a shrub is the same as saying Anna Pavlova was only a dancer. One sniff of these clusters of fragrant flowers, also known as Frangipani, will make you think you are in heaven. Plumeria is fairly easy to grow outdoors or can be grown in containers.
Plumeria thrive in full sun, and will tolerate partial shade in only the hottest climates.
Plant plumeria in fast-draining soil. These plants are not fussy about soil conditions, but will not live in wet, cold soils. If your existing soil is clay, amend with organic compost.
Prune plumeria any time of year to retain shape and keep plants compact. Plumeria will withstand even the most severe pruning.
Use a slow release type fertilizer to provide a continuous source of nutrients to the plant to keep blooms plentiful. Use 1 lb. for every inch of trunk diameter. Scatter the fertilizer granules on the soil, 6 inches from the tree’s trunk and spread it out to 2 feet beyond the drip line. Water the plumeria tree slowly, to a depth of 10 inches, after fertilizing.
Water plumeria when the top two inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Moderate water is the key to success – not too much, not too little. To create a watering schedule for dry periods, dig an 8-inch-deep hole in the soil at the tree’s drip line. Wait until the soil is dry and water the plumeria. Check the hole every three days and when the soil in the bottom is dry, water the tree again. Repeat the process again to determine how many days occur between irrigations.
Watch for scale insects on the undersides of the leaves. It is evidenced by brown or yellow powdery spots on the foliage. Remove all infected leaves from the soil around the tree. Treat with insecticidal soap and horticultural oil if found. You may also use copper fungicide sprays every two to three weeks, according to package instructions.
Allow the plumeria tree to go dormant if the bottom leaves discolour or fall off. Provide 6 inches of water a month until it produces new growth. (eHow)
