I bought a luscious plumeria at the UCR Botanical Gardens plant sale & it bloomed beautifully through our lot late fall then died, rotted, fell over in its sad plant tracks. I've solved container drainage problems since then but I'm not sure this tropical wants to grow in the high desert.

Then I ordered a frangipani vine on-line, received an empty box with a note that the plant had been confiscated & destroyed (a sign?) & eventually a polite refund. Yesterday, a new Frangipani showed up. It's really just a stick, of course, and I could ignore it. But it's here and it's a plant, ready to grow (somewhere) & I'm a mom.

I'm in Zone 9b with a very hot sunny sunny patio but it gets cold at night, occasionally really cold (for me & the Chihuahua!) -- I'm told we'll get a freeze or two before it starts to warm back up in February (I know; don't hate!)

Should I plant it? If so, anything special? Should I keep it separate so it could come inside if need be? Should I plant it now or keep it warm & dry 'til "spring"?

Or should I offer it up to someone who lives somewhere where it will thrive?

(I know there's a difference between frangipani & plumeria, right?)

-- New gardener!

Julie, please feel free to come and join us at the Plumeria forum whenever you like.
Frangipani is the common name for Plumeria in some parts of the world.

If the Plumeria you just got is only a cutting I would store it until spring. If it is a plant go ahead and plant it in a nice well-draining mix (perlite or sand mixed with the soil will ensure it drains well). While the plant is dormant it will need virtually no water. You may just want to mist it occasionally - I know your humidity is pretty low.
Do not let it get cold AND wet at the same time (so keep it out of the rain if it is below 50 degrees).
There really is no reason why you shouldn't be able to grow this in zone 9b.

Good luck and happy growing!

JulieB:

Plumeria is the genus name, "Frangipani" is a common name for these beautiful tropical shrubs/trees: http://garden.org/plants/searc... I always thought Frangipani referred to the fragrance but I'm not certain about that.

Julie, you said you ordered a Frangipani vine?

is a vine-like tropical plant that some folks confuse with Plumeria.

Our Hetty, @Dutchlady1 is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the beautiful Plumeria's! Oh Hetty, please tell me that there is a vine form of Plumeria; I would love to have one if there is!

Stephanotis floribunda is not a Frangipani Vine. That name belongs to Chonemorpha fragrans. It is a related plant but not truly a 'vining Plumeria'.

Aaah, Thanks Hetty! I bet that's the one JulieB ordered! I have a Stephanotis but have not heard of Frangipani Vine (Chonemorpha fragrans) Very nice ... love that photo of yours with the pale, creamy pinkish blooms!