What Are Named Varieties of Plumeria?

Genus & Species

• There are seven species in the genus Plumeria that are native to tropical America. Among them are plumeria alba, plumeria cubensis, plumeria obtusa, plumeria rubra, plumeria stenophylla and plumeria taxa. Plumeria stenopetala is a hybrid species derived from a cross between two different Plumeria taxa.

Other Names

• In other parts of the world than America, plumeria may be called by different common names. These may sometimes be heard in America as well, due to the spread of easier-to-remember words. In Hawaii, Melia is a common name for this plant. Elsewhere, you may hear it referred to as Frangipani, Dead Man Fingers, Flor de Mayo and the Temple Tree.

Registered Varieties Counts

• The Plumeria Society of America (PSA) registered groups include (as of June 2011) 24 varieties of orange plumeria, 130 varieties of pink, 35 varieties of rainbow, 34 varieties of red, 50 varieties of white and 47 varieties of yellow. Individuals who cultivate plumeria and want to register their flower's name must apply to the PSA in Pasadena, Texas, and comply with its rules, to include proper bloom cycle, patent information, a photograph and a registration fee.

Registered Names

• A random sampling of the named registered cultivars includes Dwarf Pink Singapore #126 i(a.k.a. Petite Pink or Dwarf Pink), which is a petite pale pink flower with a lemony fragrance. Joni's Jewel #274 is a deep burgundy with almost black lines radiating from the center, and it has a spicy scent. Texas Fiesta #233 has a citrus scent and ted, pink and yellow blossoms with a yellow throat. White Shell #111 has a coconut fragrance and small white flowers with red bands. Galvez O'Six #317 has a pink flower with a large orange center, has dark red stripes on the reverse, and a sweet scent. You can find more details on each of the registered named plumerias on the Plumeria Society of America's web pages.