Plumeria, or Frangipani

 
Plumeria, or Frangipani, is a small tree native to the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico. Very beautiful, fast and easy growing, it has spread to all the warm areas of the world, and it feels like it was always a part of their gardens and folklore. 

Plumeria is very often associated with exotic tropical islands (Hawaii, Tahiti) and their tradition of making leis to mark important events such as birth, death, love and marriage, social, political, religious, and many other occasions. Plumeria, a newcomer to the old tradition, became the most popular flower for lei-making, at least among the tourists.

Perfectly-shaped plumeria is like a child’s drawing.  Its color nuances vary from white to yellow and pink. The flowers are often very fragrant and the palette of their smells covers lots of nuances: soft, fruity, peachy, and creamy on the canvas of the soft gardenia-like aroma. Similar to Tiare, the scent of Plumeria in perfumes is often paired with other tropical fruits, especially Coconut. The fruity nuances of the flower make it quite natural. You can find Plumeria as a part of the exotic cocktail in Pink Frangipani by Lucy B. According to the founder, the perfume is based on pink Plumeria from Australia.

Is it possible to find "genuine Plumeria" in a perfume? There are several lines specializing in mono-compositions of different plants, like Italian Monotheme (Frangipane delle Maldive), Aloha Beauty (Hawaiian Plumeria) and TerraNova (Plumeria).

I find the fragrance of the flower very natural and seductive in Frangipani by Ormonde Jayne. The buttery softness of big petals enhanced by citruses is very appetizing. The creator found the right ingredient to add a yellow, yet very delicate nuance to the floral heart.

I am thankful to Mike Pfeiffer, one of the owners of the Plumeria nursery from San Diego who invited me to see his flowers (all photos were taken in Mike's nursery) and shared some interesting facts about Plumeria.

As Mike said, Plumeria attracts romantic guys, sailors and surfers, passionate by their nature. They become bewitched by the flower they meet on the Pacific islands, and try to grow it at home. This is how Pacific Plumeria Nursery was started. Mike is a surfer, and he fell in love with Plumeria on Tahiti. Now he delights Californians with his colorful Plumerias, some of them crossed by the founder of the nursery.

The admiration of smelling the flower is no less than that of observing it. If you live in the climates with a long and warm summer, you can grow Plumeria in a pot in your garden, balcony, or patio. It doesn't require a lot of work. Plumeria loves full sun, well-drained soil, and little water. It blooms from early summer to fall, and rests during the winter (keep it indoors without watering).

Plumeria smells stronger in the night in order to attract insects for pollination... and she deceives them. Seeking nectar, they find nothing, for the crafty Plumeria has no nectar but virtuously mimics nectar-producing flowers. Poor pollinators go from flower to flower refusing to believe they are fooled, and the flower gets what she needs. What a flower!

Plumeria propagates most commonly  through cutting (about 30 cm). For better root development, it's usually better to pick all the flowers and buds after the cutting. Mike prefers to leave his young Plumerias blooming, which is possible because of the blessed San Diego climate.

In India Plumeria has been used as the treatment for itches and fevers. It is believed that Mayan people added it to skin treatments. The simplest recipe I found is to add a drop of Plumeria essential oil to Jojoba oil, and massage this mixture into your skin after bath. Even if the Plumeria doesn’t work (and who will trust her after the fact with those pollinators?!), Jojoba does the work for both and your skin will smell heavenly.

Plumeria as a central note of composition:

In these fragrances you will find Plumeria as the main ingredient, all different, but very recognisable:

Frangipane delle Maldive by Monotheme Fine Fragrances Venezia,
Frangipani delle Indie by Tesori d`Oriente,
Frangipani by Ormonde Jayne,
Hawaiian Plumeria by Aloha Beauty,
Polynesian Gardens by Nicolas Danila,
The Garden Party Frangipane by The Party,
En Fleur by DSH Perfumes,
Plumeria by TerraNova,
Frangipane by Chantecaille,
Pink Frangipani by Lucy B,
Frangipanni Gloves by Ayala Moriel

Plumeria gives a romantic soft fruity touch in every composition to which she belongs. One could be perfect for summer vacations, or a wedding. 

Bali Bliss by Avon,
Jannat by Memo,
Bellini by Calypso Christiane Celle,
Oscar Tropical by Oscar de la Renta,
Caprissimo by Carthusia,
Kenzo Amour Florale by Kenzo,
Beachy by Lilly Pulitzer,
Melange Solid Perfume Floral by Melange Perfume,
Coral Flower by Lolita Lempicka,
Vanille Frangipanier by Laurence Dumont

Please visit the official web site of Pacific Plumeria Nursery