Plumeria pudica
Family: Apocynaceae
Common names: Bridal Bouquet, Evergreen White Frangipani, Fiddle Leaf Plumeria, Wild Plumeria
Native to: Panama, Colombia and Venezuela
Evergreen frangipani unlike other commonly grown frangipanis.
Flowers are pearl-white, borne in clusters at the ends of the branches however the scent is regarded as very soft, if not absent. There are reports of a pink flower form recently introduced into Australia though this has not been seen by myself. Flowers are in summer and into autumn.
Shape of the plant is not like other frangipanis. This is a small upright narrow shrub, normally reaching only 3m tall in domestic gardens but reports indicate it could grow to 5m.
Pruning this plant improves its shape and flowering. Prune this plant once after the first flush of flowers in summer to encourage more branching. A second pruning is also carried out in early autumn (around March-April) to allow the plant to create new branches before the chill of winter temperatures arrive.
This plant seems to be resistant to Frangipani Rust and appears not to suffer from tip borer attack.
Plumeria pudica is available in most garden centres are can be tracked down, if you ask the nursery person. Also check online if your local centre cannot find it.
