Singapore graveyard flower (Plumeria obtusa)
Plumeria obtusa, the Singapore graveyard flower, offers fragrant white blooms. Grow as a tropical tree in Zones 10-12 with full sun.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Plumeria obtusa, widely known as the Singapore graveyard flower, is a highly desirable tropical flowering tree valued for its beautiful, intensely fragrant blossoms. This specific variety features striking white flowers contrasted beautifully by brilliant yellow throats, making it a stunning focal point in warm gardens. As a small, rounded tree that matures between 10 and 25 feet, Plumeria obtusa thrives best when provided with full sun exposure and well-drained soils. Gardeners appreciate its ease of propagation and its strong scent, which has historically been used in perfumes and traditional garlands.
The distinctive dark green foliage of the Singapore graveyard flower is narrow and shiny, often retaining its leaves year-round in truly frost-free climates. However, gardeners should be aware that even in warmer regions, dry winters can induce semi-evergreen behavior and some leaf drop. Primarily a medium-maintenance specimen, success with Plumeria obtusa hinges on providing ample light and avoiding overly saturated root zones, especially when cultivating in containers outside its native tropical range.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Apocynaceae
- Plant Type: Tree
- Native Range: Central America, Caribbean
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 10-25 ft
- Spread: 10-25 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: White with yellow throats
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal growth, plant Plumeria obtusa in rich, well-drained loams. While full sun is preferred, these plants tolerate some light shade, although flowering may be reduced. The primary consideration for successful planting is ensuring excellent drainage, as the plant must not sit in wet soils to prevent root rot. Propagation is notably easy using simple stem cuttings taken from mature wood.
Watering should align with its dry to medium requirements; allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings, especially once established. Fertilization is often beneficial during the active growing season to enhance bloom production. In climates bordering USDA Zone 10, or further north, container culture is necessary.
Container-grown Plumeria obtusa require a well-drained sandy potting mix. During winter dormancy in cooler zones, move containers indoors, reducing the temperature to 50-55 degrees F. Crucially, watering must be significantly reduced during this overwintering period to prevent damage or rot.
Landscape Uses
The primary role of Plumeria obtusa on the landscape is as a show-stopping flowering tree in tropical settings. Its rounded, medium stature makes it effective when placed near decks, patios, or front porches where its seasonal fragrance can be fully appreciated. For gardeners living outside of USDA Zone 10, container growing is the standard recommendation; this allows the pagoda tree to be showcased outdoors during warm months and safely moved indoors before the first frost threatens root health.
When placed strategically, the white and yellow blossoms provide a beautiful contrast against darker foliage or bright, sun-loving annuals that share similar drought tolerance. Consider pairing Plumeria obtusa with other tropical accents like ornamental bananas or hibiscus varieties to emphasize its exotic appeal.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy 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. Its fragrant, 5-petaled, white flowers have showy yellow throats and bloom reliably through the warmer months. The specific epithet obtusa refers to the blunt tips of its narrow, shiny, dark green leaves.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
Plumeria obtusa generally avoids serious insect or disease outbreaks, provided soil conditions are ideal. The most significant threat is root rot, which stems directly from overly moist or poorly drained soils. Prevention involves adhering strictly to dry to medium watering schedules and amending soil heavily with grit for container mixes.
Gardeners should remain vigilant for common tropical pests, including scale, mealybugs, thrips, and whiteflies. Regular inspection of leaves and stems, particularly on container plants moved in and out of storage, will allow for early intervention using horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps if pests become established.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Singapore graveyard flower suitable for?
The Plumeria obtusa thrives outdoors year-round in USDA Zones 10 through 12. For areas colder than Zone 10, container growing with indoor overwintering is required.
How large does Plumeria obtusa grow?
This species typically reaches a height between 10 and 25 feet, with a similar spread of 10 to 25 feet, forming a rounded canopy ideal for specimen planting.
When does Plumeria obtusa bloom?
This plant is a seasonal bloomer, producing clusters of white flowers with yellow throats from spring through fall, often peaking in mid-summer months like July and August.
What sun exposure does Plumeria obtusa need?
For the best health and most abundant flowering, Plumeria obtusa requires full sun exposure throughout the day.
Conclusion
The Singapore graveyard flower offers unmatched tropical fragrance and beauty, making it a worthy addition to warm-climate landscapes or controlled container environments. Its medium maintenance and drought tolerance provide practical advantages, provided gardeners respect its need for supreme drainage and sufficient heat. Before planting, confirm your USDA zone compatibility to ensure success with this exquisite Plumeria obtusa.
Propagation Tips
Plumeria obtusa is renowned among horticulture enthusiasts for its ease of propagation via softwood or semi-hardwood stem cuttings. To propagate, select a healthy stem tip that has already set flowers or is about to, ensuring the cutting is 6 to 12 inches long and has at least two nodes. Allow the cut end to callus over in a dry, airy location for several days, sometimes up to a week, to prevent rot once planted.
Once callused, plant the cutting into a fast-draining, gritty medium—a standard sandy potting mix works well. Do not water immediately; wait about a week before providing the first light watering. Place the potted cutting in a bright, warm location, but avoid intense direct afternoon sun until roots have clearly formed, usually indicated by the appearance of new leaf growth.
Companion Planting
Since Plumeria obtusa prefers rich, dry to medium soils and demands full sun, selecting companion plants with similar cultural needs will simplify your maintenance routine. Consider pairing it with other drought-tolerant, full-sun lovers common in Zone 10 landscapes. Good fits include Mediterranean herbs like Rosemary or Thyme, which appreciate sharp drainage.
Also, drought-tolerant succulents and cacti, such as various Agaves or Aloes, provide excellent textural contrast to the soft, broad leaves and heady fragrance of the Singapore graveyard flower. Avoid neighboring plants that require consistently moist conditions, as overwatering these companions can inadvertently lead to fatal root rot in the Plumeria obtusa.
