Mount Helix-based grower Mike Atkinson is passionate about plumerias, both growing the fragrant flowering trees and educating the public about their proper care and propagation. He and his wife, Stacy, have been tending plumerias at their 2-acre farm for about 25 years.
About 10 years ago, they opened Atkinson Plumeria, which focuses on the sale of a wide variety of cultivars along with educational workshops, plumeria care and consulting. and even lei-making. They currently have about 300 plants in the ground and another 300 in pots and cuttings.
Although often associated with Hawaii, plumerias — also known as frangipanis —originated in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, where they continue to be used in traditional rituals and ceremonies, Atkinson explained in a recent workshop. From there, they first spread throughout the Caribbean region and then the world. The first plumeria brought to Hawaii, a classic white-and-yellow Celadine, arrived about 1860 via Thailand, he said.
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The trees thrive in tropical and Mediterranean climates, such as San Diego County, the southern U.S., the South Pacific and Southeast Asia; they do well both planted in the ground —reaching up to 50 feet — and as potted plants, especially the dwarf varieties. They can bloom continuously from May through Thanksgiving, and the plants are enjoying a resurgence of interest as they provide steady blooms and color while requiring remarkably little water.
On many weekend mornings from March through October, Atkinson, a natural teacher, can be found conducting classes and workshops, either at the farm or at other locales throughout the region. He covers about 10 plumeria-related topics including basic care, rooting, fertilizing, trimming, grafting and lei-making — all in an extremely accessible manner — with plenty of time for Q&A.
Atkinson is clear that root building is the most important element of successful plumeria cultivation.
“It’s all about the roots. We focus all our efforts on building the root system. It takes a lot of energy to bloom,” he explained.
Plumerias require patience to develop — they grow about six to 12 inches a year — but also thrive on neglect, once their basic needs are met.
“Leave them alone and they will reward you,” Atkinson said.
Four fundamentals are key to successful plumeria cultivation, Atkinson stressed.
Sun
“They love heat because the roots love heat, which is why they’re grown in black plastic pots. They love as much sun as they can get, but the whites or yellows need less heat than the pinks or rainbows,” he said, explaining the plants need at least six to eight hours of sun a day.
Soil
Plumerias require a well-draining soil. For pots, use cactus soil with the addition of about 30% to 40% perlite to increase drainage, allowing water to drain through.
“Plumerias love wet feet. You can root them in water, but they don’t like muddy feet,” he explained.
Water
Overwatering is the major problem in caring for these drought-tolerant plants. Too much water causes root rot and can kill plants.
“Drench, dry, repeat. Plumerias love to be drenched, but then dry out. Use a moisture meter and, when the needle moves from moist to dry, water them,” Atkinson said.
Stop watering between Thanksgiving and St. Patrick’s Day, or when the temperatures dip consistently below 55 degrees at night, when the plants go to sleep. Don’t resume watering until the plants begin to “wake up” by sprouting leaves in early spring or when the temperatures are regularly above 55 degrees.
Feeding
You must feed the plants for them to bloom, but don’t use a “bloombuster” fertilizer, he advised. Use a balanced diluted fertilizer, such as a rose or orchid food, monthly. Alternatively choose a slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote Plus, covered with soil, every three months.
With a balanced liquid fertilizer, feed them monthly, supplemented with seaweed extract and fish fertilizer/emulsion.
“Plumerias are hungry, but not discriminating” in their food, he said.
Atkinson participated in a trial of Bush Doctor Kangaroots from FoxFarm Soil & Fertilizer Co., which he found strengthened the root system and produced “enormous roots” in seedlings. Give this especially to plants that may be struggling or haven’t bloomed as expected.
“Add this to your monthly feeding and they’ll be super happy,” he said.
Atkinson doesn’t feed his plumerias planted in soil, but allows them to get their food from nature.
He said it’s best to stop feeding plumerias after August to prepare them for their period of winter dormancy, signaled by their initial loss of leaves. Plumerias, depending on the variety, shed their leaves about November or December.
If you’re in a region that experiences frost, cover or move new plants inside a greenhouse or protected area to shield them. Prolonged low temperatures can kill plumerias.
For a novice grower, Atkinson recommended starting with a white or yellow, the original Celadine, rather than a pink or other colored variety. They’re hardier, root better and are easier to grow. They’re also extremely fragrant and produce good blooms. He suggested starting with as mature a plant as possible for more plentiful blooms.
Plumerias are available from many nurseries, but you can also find them at Atkinson Plumeria’s special spring and autumn sales. The next sale is Oct. 1-2 (be sure to reserve a slot.) It will feature plants from about nine additional growers as well as other specialized vendors offering fertilizer, jewelry and cutting boards.
For more information and reservations, visit AtkinsonPlumeria.com, where you can also sign up for email notifications of sales and classes as well as access a library of clearly written articles.
Expect to pay between $10 and $100 and up for a good quality plant, with costs dependent upon size, maturity, cultivar, rarity and vendor.
The Southern California Plumeria Society hosts its annual Hawaiian Plumeria Festival in Casa del Prado in Balboa Park over Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-4, featuring plant sales as well music, dancing and other activities. The society’s website, southerncaliforniaplumeriasociety.com/, also has links to extensive educational materials.
Nicole Sours Larson is a freelance writer.
