Hi everyone,

I’m replanting a bed in my front yard. The area gets lots of sunshine (west facing). I live in Orange County, CA. I’m attaching a picture so you can see the area. I’ve never grown Plumeria before, but have been wanting to try one, and thought I would plant one along the corner (sort of where the white piping is). Along the rest of the wall would be a couple of orange bird of paradise.

I understand I need to be mindful of water and soil, so would need to keep the lawn sprinklers off of it. The soil elevation would angle up toward the house for drainage. There’s a lot of clay so I would need to amend soil.... or plant pot directly in ground? I’d say it’s about a two foot space from house to edging, and about 4’ width . I’m looking to hear recommendations as to what variety might be best here. I wouldn’t want something that overhangs into the grass or driveway. More upright growth would be preferred. Someone recommended a taller variety (one long 5’ stem which then branches higher up), but not sure what variety those would be. Or, maybe something a few feet tall, at a lower level to appreciate the flowers, if properly pruned. I know these are trees, but have seen people keep these at reasonable heights.

Any thoughts you have are appreciated!

If you planted a seedling, it would likely shoot up about 4 or 5 ft before branching; that might be the look you need to go for. However, the flowers would always be high up then.
By pruning regularly you can keep the plant at the height you want but you will be sacrificing flowering.

Me... and just my two cents worth: I would place the bird of paradise in front of the pipes. This way when you look down the side of the house as you drive up, you will have the height of the (BoP) blocking the view of the pipes and then have the taller Plumeria right behind it (This is if you get a taller Plumeria and not start off with seedlings)

Thanks for your suggestions. I think you might be right about placing a bird of paradise by the pipes. The picture makes the area look longer than it is, and having the rear hedge, the bird of paradise, then a plumeria might be too busy. I could always add some foreground annuals for more color.

That said, I wound up purchasing my first Plumeria from a nice fellow off Craigslist. Couldn't resist. I guess I can see the temptation of the plant now. Nice fragrance with a white pink apricot color to flower. Any idea what variety this might be? My backyard may be better suited and can enjoy the fragrance more. Here's a pic.

It's lovely; not distinctive enough to give a positive ID just from the picture.

Thanks! Might consider this backyard location. I have a tropical theme. Gets east and south light for most of the year. Could provide attractive highlight for that corner. Currently have canna lily there but they are growing out into the grass, flopping onto path in summer.

beautifulb for as long as it gets full sun.