Plumeria var. 'Freckles'

A very rare offering!! 

Overview

Plumeria, commonly called frangipani, is a tropical flowering tree native to Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. Cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical regions, Plumeria is celebrated for its intensely fragrant, waxy blooms. The cultivar ‘Freckles’ is distinctive for its speckled or spotted petals, which give the flowers their “freckled” appearance. Like other Plumerias, it grows as a deciduous shrub or small tree and is highly prized by collectors for its unusual flower patterning.

Distinguishing Features

• Flowers: Petals are typically creamy white, pink, or yellow with irregular red to purple speckles or dots.

• Leaves: Large, leathery, and lanceolate, arranged spirally along the stems.

• Growth habit: Upright, branching small tree or shrub, often reaching 10–20 ft in ideal conditions but smaller in pots.

• Fragrance: Strong, sweet scent, especially noticeable at dusk and night.

Cultivation Notes

Light: Requires full sun (6+ hours daily) for optimal blooming. Indoors, provide the brightest possible light or supplemental grow lights.
Temperature: Thrives in warm climates; ideal range is 65–90°F (18–32°C). Not frost-hardy—must be protected or overwintered indoors in cooler regions.
Watering: Water deeply but infrequently during the active growing season (spring–fall). Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce water significantly during dormancy when leaves drop.
Soil: Well-draining, sandy or gritty mix. A cactus or succulent mix amended with perlite or pumice works well.
Fertilizer: Use a high-phosphorus fertilizer during the growing season to encourage flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of blooms.

Dormancy & Seasonal Care

Plumeria enters dormancy in cooler months, often dropping all its leaves. During this time, keep it in a dry, frost-free environment with minimal watering. Resume watering and feeding in spring when new growth appears.

Repotting & Maintenance

• Can be container-grown for easier overwintering in non-tropical regions.

• Repot every 2–3 years in fresh, fast-draining soil.

• Prune to shape and encourage branching, which leads to more blooms.

Bloom Notes

‘Freckles’ produces its distinctive speckled blooms in summer to early fall under warm, sunny conditions. Flowers are long-lasting, fragrant, and often used in leis and cut arrangements.