DIY Garden: Growing frangipanis

Friends and family are always asking me how I grow such lovely frangipanis. Usually, I just let them believe that it is difficult to care for such stunning flowers. But let me let you in on my biggest secret: it is actually unbelievably easy to grow frangipanis.

Being a tropical flower, there is a misconception that they can only be grown in warmer climates. Some people have even asked me if I use grow lights for my flowers, which I assure you that I do not. There are a few tricks to growing frangipanis, and it all comes down to where you plant them.

If you live in a cooler area, grow them as pot plants. You may eventually decide to remove the plants from their pots once they are more established. Frangipanis do not take well to the winter chill, so another advantage of pot plants is that you can bring them indoors during the rainier months if you are worried that they may not survive the climate.

Frangipanis do like warmer weather, but you can still grow them in cold climates – albeit slowly. The warmer your area, the faster and taller the plants will grow. A gardener must be patient in the winter.

Another trick is to grow them against a brick or cement wall. The wall retains and slowly releases heat, giving your plants a much less patchy environment in which to grow. It will also shield them from rain and wind.

They can live for decades if you select the perfect location and treat them right. One thing to consider is which variety to plant. There are many types of frangipani, lulus blood is one of the more popular options but there are many others to choose from. Some take kindlier to cold weather than others, so choose wisely.