Blooming good tips for growing frangipanis

By Sara Fitzpatrick

Evoking sundrenched holidays and island romance, the frangipani brings a stunning tropical touch to any garden or courtyard.

Available in 300 different flower colours in Australia from your classic white to vibrant peach – even lilac – there’s a colour for you. What’s more, frangipanis are easy to grow and maintain and provide shade in the summer and let the light through in the winter.

Garry Hedley from Pioneer Gardens Nursery shares his tips on growing these beauties.

• The ideal growing position is a full sun spot in the garden.
• After planting, water in well with a seaweed based product such as Seasol to give them a boost and stimulate new root growth.
• Water regularly for the first year until well established and then occasional watering will be sufficient. Flower colour can be intensified by reduced watering.
• The most common mistake people make with frangipanis is giving them too much water after they have been established. Over watering will cause them to rot.
• A good layer of mulch around the frangipani tree will conserve moisture and protect the roots. Fertilize three to four times a year.
• In a cooler climate, your frangipani will need special attention. Plant against a north facing wall to maximise the effects of winter sunshine, mulch well with a dark coloured mulch to absorb the heat and cut back on water and fertilizer in the winter months to discourage new growth that could suffer from frost damage.