After 3 seasons of mild winters, I knew the moment I planted a plumeria in the ground that I would have to deal with freezes. There is a freeze coming this Thursday night. Aside from covering like other tender plants, what else should I do for my 4 ft plumeria Riviera Rainbow?

4 ft - I would dig it up and put it in a warm place. You don't want to lose that.
It can go dormant and stay in the safe place until spring, if you want.

I have 3 other RR's, much taller. I put this in the ground basically so I would have one less to deal with moving each winter. It was 2 ft tall when I planted it in the spring. But yes, it would hurt to lose it. hmmmm

Well. I've decided she's on her own. I have covered it with a large tall cardboard box, stuffed sheets at the bottom and the top. Plastic garbage back over the top. The plumeria and the Giant Purple Crinum look like twins out front!

I think you did as good a job of protecting it as you can. Here's hoping it won't be as cold as they say!

My little tree did well in this cold snap. But already, I am tired of worrying about her. I think I will dig her up and try the bare root technique. I have never done that before. Only read how @drdawg has done it that way for years. So tomorrow when the weather warms up before the next Arctic Blast, Miss Riviera will come out of the ground and into the safety of the garage or the greenhouse. I can't decide. Dig it up, shake off the roots of all the soil and put it in a bag. That's all, right??

I wish I had seen this thread a few days ago, Cheryl. I could have given some advice about protecting the plumeria in the ground.

Yes, though I start the process of digging and dormancy in late October to very early November, that's basically what I do. When I bag my plants, there is no soil and no leaves, other than those tiny terminal leaves. You'll always want to make sure the plants/roots are completely dry before bagging. That's about it though. Keep that bag in a warmish place. My bagged plants will get no light and no moisture until I bring those bags out in the spring and pot up the plants.

Thanks, Ken @drdawg. The protection I gave it worked well. But we are only beginning our cold winter. I don't want to worry for the next 3 months. We are a tad bit warmer here than you. The plant is full of leaves with little sign of dormancy. So maybe it's OK to dig it up? I will cut all the leaves off.

Leave about a 1/2" stem on the plant when you cut the leaves. Those little nubs will finally wither and fall off but it does lessen the loss of fluid (latex) this way and thus, should reduce the stress on the plant. You don't actually need to even bag it, Cheryl. I bag mine because I am putting 6-10 plants in a bag and it is easier and neater to store the bags than having them all lose.

I bag mine and leave them in the garage by the heater closet. They bounce back in early spring.

I didn't dig it up today. My body muscles are so fatigued after 4 days of refinishing the floor! The thought of physical activity today made me sick! I have removed all the protective coverings so that it can enjoy the mid 70's we'll have this week. I will get to digging it up by mid week as I plan to feel stronger by then. In the mean time, I will consider placing it on the top shelf of the warm greenhouse or other.

Wow, Cheryl, 4 days of refinishing a floor would make me fatigued, too.

I agree, just let it hang out and enjoy the weather for now. No rush until you're feeling better

Get some rest, Cheryl. You have been working hard and overtime as well; floors and tarps of leaves! Wow.