Plumeria and Partial Shade

Light Requirements

• Prized for their flowers, plumerias bloom best in full sunlight. But like many other plants, they prefer a bit of shade on the root zone, and grow best in cool soil. Consider planting shade-casting plants around the base of the tree, or keep the soil cool with a thick layer of mulch. Plumerias grown in containers also tend to get hot and dry quickly. These potted plants benefit from partial afternoon shade, according to the Virtual International Plumeria Society.

Climate

• Plumerias are native to tropical America. They are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, but they won't survive in cooler USDA zones -- one hard frost can kill these plants. Plumerias are deciduous and naturally drop their leaves before they go dormant, but if temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the plants will drop leaves as a result of the chill in the air.

Other Culture

• Plumerias thrive in rich, moist, well-draining soil. Soil high in organic matter is best. Begin to water them when the leaves break bud, and increase watering as needed. Although the trees will tolerate drought conditions, they perform much better if they are watered enough to keep the soil continually moist, which may be twice a day during very hot periods.

Appearance and Uses

• Plumerias grow to maximum heights and widths of about 25 feet. They are usually shaped somewhat like an umbrella, with a single trunk and a broad, spreading crown, although some varieties have multiple trunks. The fragrant flowers are easily plucked from the tree and are traditionally used in Hawaiian leis. Because they tolerate salt and pollution, they make excellent urban median trees. Plumerais are also stunning in the landscape when used as specimen or patio trees.