TROPICAL splendour
These strongly scented plants are a must for the summer garden.
WWith their heavenly fragrance and clusters of attractive flowers at the tips of the branches, it’s difficult to miss frangipanis in summer! This small tree or large shrub has an umbrella shape with thick, succulent-like branches. The most common frangipani flowers are creamy-white with yellow centres but there are also varieties with more yellowish flowers, or pink flowers with yellow centres.
Frangipanis do best in hot, humid regions such as KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape coastal areas and the Lowveld. This shrub will also grow in a drier, cooler region as long as it is frost-free. In areas that receive light frost, it should be planted in the warmest part of the garden in a wellprotected spot. Frangipanis like full sun and fertile soil that drains well, but must be protected from wind. Keep them wellwatered in summer in winter rainfall areas and in the drier parts of the country. It is not necessary to prune them.
Frangipanis make excellent cut flowers and last well in the vase. Otherwise, float a few blooms in a bowl of water to create a tropical atmosphere!