FLORIDA PLUMERIA

2012 Florida Garden Events Calendar

2012-01-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

Stop missing your favorite plant show or sale! Calendar will updated as events are announced.

Sarasota Orchid Show and Sale
Jan 7-8, 2012
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, Sarasota, FL

Ft Lauderdale Orchid Society Show
Jan 20-22, 2012
War Memorial Auditorium, Ft Lauderdale, FL

Garden Fest 2012
Jan 7-8, 2012
Riverside Park, Vero Beach, FL

Key West Orchid Society Show
Mar 2 -4, 2012
West Martello Towers, Key West FL

Amelia Island Garden Show
March 3-4, 2012
Central Park, Amelia Island, FL

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
March 7 - May 20, 2012
Epcot - Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL

Florida Wildflower and Garden Fesitval
March 24, 2012
Downtown Deland, FL

Spring Obsession Show and Sale
March 10th, 2012
Munn Park, Lakeland, FL

Leu Gardens' Annual Plant Sale
March 17-18 , 2012
Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL

Spring Garden Events at Flamingo Gardens
March, 2012
3750 S Flamingo Road, Davie, FL

Tampa Bay Orchid Society Show and Sale
March 2-4, 2012
Egypt Shrine Center Activities Bldg. 4050 Dana Shores Dr, Tampa, FL

USF Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Festival
Apr 14, 2012
Botanical Gardens, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL

USF Botanical Gardens 10th Annual Butterfly, Herb and Native Plant Fair
Jun 9, 2012
Botanical Gardens, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL

USF Botanical Gardens 11th annual Tropical Plant Fair
Jul 14, 2012
Botanical Gardens, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL

The Landscape Show
September 27-29, 2012
Orange County Convention Center - Orlando, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens Fall Plant Festival
Oct , 2012
Botanical Gardens, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL

USF Botanical Gardens - Tampa Orchid Club - Orchid Show and Sale
Oct , 2012
Botanical Gardens, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL

Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair
November 3-4, 2012
Simpson Cove - Mount Dora, FL

Where There's A Will, There's A Root

2011-04-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

Many plumeria enthusiasts go to great lengths to ensure successful germination and growth of seedlings. (For the record I am not a fan of growing from seed, I just don't have the attention span for it and prefer to leave it to the experts.) When rooting we try to control every possible variable - heat, light, potting medium, nutrients etc. and spend countless hours doing research and experimenting. After a successful rooting based on a set of parameters we concoct, we will declare that particular method a success. But maybe it was just luck - maybe a seed will do what it intends to do, with or without our help (or in spite of) with the tiniest amounts of moisture, light, and nutrients. A couple of years ago a seedpod opened on a tree and some seeds dropped before I could harvest them. A few months later, about a dozen had sprouted in the shade with very little sun, on some rocks. Yes rocks. Big white marble chips a few inches deep, with layers of pebble underneath. Several inches down is a mix of sand, shell, and who knows what if any kind of soil. As if that wasn't impressive, these tiny, tender seedlings also survived a brutal winters with record low temperatures that injured and killed many large trees. So perhaps we spend a little too much time (and money) over analyzing the process. Or maybe I have discovered a "super terrific mega plumeria". I'll be hanging to to a few of these seedlings just in case.

Fertilizer Ban - Research Your Replacement Products

2011-04-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

Some of you here in Florida, and other parts of the country may already know there is are fertilizer bans in certains places and manufacturers are phasing out products that contain phosphorus. Here in Pinellas County fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus cannot be applied to lawns or landscape plants from June 1 to September 30.

That means some your long time favorite fertilizer and other products that contain phosphorus have been removed from the shelves of Lowes, Home Depot, etc. and replaced with phosphate free products. First off, you may still be able to find your favorite fertilizer at smaller stores, like ACE and such. But run, don't walk. Usually, when a product is deemed not fit for public consumption smaller stores take longer to run out of their stock and it remains on the shelves for months, even years(remember Diazinon?) . However I have heard that in the fertilizer ban case, county officials are actually going to stores and enforcing the ban.

So, you realize it's too late, you're stuck with the alternative, whatever that may be. Many products are being replaced with those we are not familiar with, made by companies we've never heard of. Before you just put in your cart and take it home, do some research. Don't just assume that because the retailer put it on the shelf where the good stuff used to be, that it's okay to use, or that the application or results will be the same. Read the labels carefully, and ask your friend or neighbors if they have used it.

Case in point: The St Augustine lawn fertilizer I have used for years, was removed from the shelves and replaced with something I never heard of. But it was the only alternative so I took it. I read the application method - same sthe other stuff. That evening I set the spreader, put it down, watered it in. Just like the other stuff. Then to my horror the next morning. there were orange streaks from the iron all over my driveway. The old stuff never did that. Yes there is rust remover for driveways, and yes it removes the stain - and leaves a bright white streak. So if you prefer orange streaks to white, don't bother. I'm sure there was some tiny mention on the bag about not getting the product on walkways, etc. It was probably on the old stuff too. On the bright side, the lawn is nice and green.

Protect Your Plumeria From Freezing Temps

2010-12-13T15:55:00.000-08:00

Old Man Winter is a bit early this year. We do not normally see freezing temperatures along the Tampa Bay gulf beaches, especially this early in the season. I can only recall freezing one time in the last 10 years (last January). So much for global warming.

Special care must be taken to protect Plumerias if freezing weather is expected. For mild climates in southern Florida or Texas (zones 9 or higher) covering them with freeze cloth or wrapping them with Christmas lights a couple nights a year may be all that is necessary. Small potted plants can be easily moved indoors.

In cooler climates plumerias will need protection all winter, or as long as freezing temperatures are possible. Plumerias are dormant during this time and can be dug up and stored bare root in a garage or basement, as long as it is dry. They will most likely be defoliated already, but if any leaves remain remove them before moving inside to save yourself from having to pick them up later. They do not require light, food, or water during this time.

When spring approaches they will begin to wake up. Their tips will become shiny - a sign that leaf growth is about to begin. As long as there is no danger of a freeze, they can be moved back outdoors.

A note of caution - If you store your plumeria indoors, be carefull to store them upright, do not stack them. Otherwise the ones on the bottom of the pile may rot, due to poor air circulation.

Plumeria Photo - Thumbalina

2010-06-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

This is Thumbalina from Jungle Jacks - a very compact plumeria. This one has 10 tips and takes up just 1.5 square feet of space

Plumeria Photo - J.L. Pink Pansy

2010-06-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

Currently blooming here in Tampa Bay

Plumeria Photo - Dwarf Pink Singapore

2010-04-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

St Pete Green Thumb Festival This Weekend

2010-04-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

The 24th annual Green Thumb Festival is today and tomorrow at Fuller Park. The event celebrates Arbor Day and Earth Day and features environmental and horticultural exhibits, plant vendors, Garden Club of St. Petersburg Flower Show, grow and share program, diagnostic clinic (bring soil and water samples), recycling rally, free mulch, plant auction, over 2,000 trees for sale for $3, free Butterfly plants (500/day), tool sharpening booth, entertainment, children's programs, environmental programs and exhibits, and food court.

I stopped by first thing this morning and there was quite a crowd, in fact it was downright hard to get to some of the booths. There is a plumeria booth with cuttings available. There were several orchid booths, and booths with herbs, tropicals, adeniums, garden art, etc. I picked up a few orchids and herbs - I forgot to bring my wagon so I couldn't over-indulge.

24th Annual Green Thumb Festival - April 24 & 25, 2010 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Walter Fuller Park- 7891 26th Avenue N., St. Petersburg, FL, 33710

Town N Country Garden Expo April 18th

2010-04-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

On April 18th the Town N Country Recreation Center is holding a garden expo. There will be workshops and demonstrations, one featuring plumerias, as well as a plant sale. The center is located at 6039 Hanley Rd in Tampa. More Info

What Does Cold or Freeze Damage Look Like?

2010-02-25T05:58:00.000-08:00

I often get asked what to look for when it comes to frost or cold damage to plumerias. Here is a photo taken of a damaged plumeria branch after "the big freeze" in Florida. Damaged branches will turn brown, and in some cases the tip will turn black, as in this case. The black tip is rotted plant tissue and must be cut off to prevent further damage to the plant. If the branches are merely browned, but hard and firm with no soft spots, no action may be necessary. But, check it frequently to make sure there is no further damage.

To treat an affected tree: With a sterilized cutter, cut below any black or soft mushy area until you get to clean white growth. The cut surface should not show any brown spots. These areas can continue to rot, and travel down the plant and kill it. Treat the cut with a fungicide.

This was the first year I had cold damage. We live near the gulf and don't usually see temperatures as cold as inland, but this year has been very unusual. The gulf temperatures are lower than usual this year and not providing the usual insulation against cold snaps. For the first time, our outdoor digital thermometer registered below freezing on a few nights. Damage was not limited to plumerias, our Christmas" palms suffered greatly as well. I am looking forward to spring, it can't get here soon enough.

Things You May Not Know About Plumeria

2010-01-26T08:39:00.000-08:00

20 Facts You May not Know About Frangipanis (plumeria)

By: Di Ellis

According to Mexican myth the gods were born from Frangipani flowers.
Frangipani (Plumeria) is very rare in China, and even more precious than orchids. So, when a person gives frangipani flowers to a sweetheart, it is the closest thing to saying you're special, I love you in a culture where expression of personal feelings is frowned upon.
The colorful caterpillar of Pseudosphinx tetrio feeds predominantly on the leaves of Plumeria rubra (frangipani).
"Warming" oils -- such as those from frangipani are said to have a calming influence on those suffering from fear, anxiety, insomnia or tremors, according to the principles of Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old Indian holistic science that seeks to balance mind, body and spirit.
Frangipanis are good hosts for dendrobium orchids.
According to Vietnamese myth, ghosts live in trees with white and fragrant flowers including the frangipani. In Vietnam and China the colour white is associated with death and funerals.
In Hindu culture, the flower means loyalty. Hindu women put a flower in their hair on their wedding days to show their loyalty to their husbands.
There is a theory that Catholic missionary priests spread frangipanis around the world as they travelled. This may explain why the frangipani is so popular and common in the Philippines and Thailand but very rare in China and Vietnam. Thailand and the Philippines welcomed the Christian missionaries while, in China and Vietnam, they were persecuted until around the 1850s.
The frangipani is regarded as a sacred tree in Laos and every Buddhist temple in that country has them planted in their courtyards.
Frangipanis won’t burn except in extreme temperatures (over 500 degrees).
In Caribbean cultures the leaves are used as poultices (a healing wrap) for bruises and ulcers and the latex (sap) is used as a liniment for rheumatism.
The frangipani is also associated with love in feng shui.
In India the frangipani is a symbol of immortality because of its ability to produce leaves and flowers even after it has been lifted out of the soil. It is often planted near temples and graveyards, where the fresh flowers fall daily upon the tombs.
In Vietnam the frangipani is used for its healing qualities: the bark, mashed in alcohol, prevents skin inflammation. It is also used to treat indigestion and high blood pressure, while the roots have purgative effects on animals and the milk-like sap serves as a balm for skin diseases. The white flowers are used in traditional medicine to cure high blood pressure, haemophilia, cough, dysentery and fever.
In Malay folklore the scent of the frangipani is associated with a vampire, the pontianak.
In modern Polynesian culture, the frangipani can be worn by women to indicate their relationship status - over the right ear if seeking a relationship, and over the left if taken.
Frangipani trees were once considered taboo in Thai homes because of superstitious associations with the plant's Thai name, lantom, which is similar to ratom, the Thai word for sorrow. As a result, frangipanis were thought to bring unhappiness. Today, however, the blossoms are presented as fragrant offerings to Buddha and Thai people wear them on special festival days like Songkran (Thai New Year).
The frangipani is the national flower of Nicaragua and it features on some of their bank notes.
The name, frangipani, comes from the Italian nobleman, Marquis Frangipani, who created a perfume used to scent gloves in the 16th century. When the frangipani flower was discovered its natural perfume reminded people of the scented gloves, and so the flower was called frangipani. Another version has it that the name, frangipani, is from the French frangipanier which is a type of coagulated milk that the Plumeria milk resembles.
The name, Plumeria, is attributed to Charles Plumier, a 17th Century French botanist who travelled to the New World documenting many plant and animal species, although according to author Peter Loewer (The Evening Garden: Flowers and Fragrance from Dusk Till Dawn; Timber Press, 2002) Plumier was not the first to describe Plumeria. That honour goes to Francisco de Mendoza, a Spanish priest who did so in 1522.

About the Author
Diane Ellis is co-owner of the site http://www.allthingsfrangipani.com/ where you'll find information about frangipanis (plumeria) including growing tips, propagation, and frangipani pests and diseases. You can also buy beautiful frangipani gifts such as jewellery, UV resistant outdoor stickers, toiletries, gift packs, and hand crafted bags.

(ArticlesBase SC #582137)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - 20 Facts You May not Know About Frangipanis (plumeria)

Plumeria Photo - Angus 1

2010-01-19T11:55:00.000-08:00

Plumeria Books

2010-01-19T09:17:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of books dedicated to Plumeria culture.

Growing Plumerias in Hawaii and Around the World by Jim Little (Paperback - 2006)

The Exotic Plumeria, a pictorial, Volume 1 by Alan W. Bunch (Hardcover - 2006)

Plumeria Rainbow: Amazing Plumeria Photographs Vol. 1 by Michael Stephen Anders (Paperback - 2005)

The Handbook on Plumeria Culture by Richard Eggenberger and Mary Helen Eggenberger (Paperback - 2000)

Frangipani: A practical guide to growing frangipani at home by Linda Ross, Lorna Rose, and John Stowar (Paperback - 2009)

Out Of Print:

The exotic Plumeria (frangipani) by Elizabeth H Thornton (1985)
Plumerias in Hawaii by Donald P Watson (1965)
PLUMERIA CULTIVARS IN HAWAII by James T.; Criley, Richard A. Chinn (1982) *reformatted version available in PDF

What To Do If Your Plumeria Has Frost Damage

2010-01-16T08:56:00.000-08:00

Many of you in Florida have experienced cold damage to your plumerias for the first time due to the record breaking cold this year. How do you know if you have damage? If the branch tips are mushy or black they have been damaged by frost or freezing. Cut the tips back until you get clean white wood to prevent the rot from spreading down the tree. Try to cut just above a leaf node. New branches will grow in the spring.

Plumeria Photo - Vera Cruz Rose

2010-01-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

Vera Cruz Rose is a Mexican culitvar with a strong rose fragrance. Flowers are yellow with pink edges on tall bloom spikes.

2010 Florida Garden Events Calendar

2010-01-05T06:16:00.000-08:00

Stop missing your favorite plant show or sale! Calendar will updated as events are announced.

Sarasota Orchid Show and Sale
Jan 9-10, 2010
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, Sarasota, FL

Leu Gardens' Annual Camellia Show
January 16-17, 2010
Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL

Garden Party Flower Show
February 13, 2010
Marathon Garden Club, 5270 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL

The 64th MIAMI INTERNATIONAL ORCHID SHOW
February 26-28, 2010
Doubletree Miami Mart/Airport Hotel and Exhibition Center Miami, FL

Key West Orchid Society/American Orchid Society Orchid Fair
March 1-7, 2010
Key West Garden Club, West Martello Tower, Key West, FL

Spring Obsession Show and Sale
March 13th, 2010
Munn Park, Lakeland, FL

Spring Garden Event at Flamingo Gardens
March 20-21, 2010
3750 S Flamingo Road, Davie, FL

Tampa Bay Orchid Society 29th Annual Show and Sale
April 2-4, 2010
Egypt Shrine Center Activities Bldg. 4050 Dana Shores Dr, Tampa, FL

Orchid and Bromeliad Show and Sale
April 3-4, 2010
Flamingo Gardens - Davie, FL

USF Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Festival
Apr 10-11, 2010
Botanical Gardens, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL

USF Botanical Gardens Orchid and Rose Fantasy
May 8-9, 2010
Botanical Gardens, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL

USF Botanical Gardens 10th Annual Butterfly, Herb and Native Plant Fair
Jun 12-13, 2010
Botanical Gardens, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL

USF Botanical Gardens 11th annual Tropical Plant Fair
Jul 10-11, 2010
Botanical Gardens, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL

USF Botanical Gardens Bromeliad Bash
Aug 14-15, 2010
Botanical Gardens, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL

The Landscape Show
September 23-25, 2010
Orange County Convention Center - Orlando, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens Fall Plant Festival
Oct 9-10, 2010
Botanical Gardens, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL

USF Botanical Gardens - Tampa Orchid Club - Orchid Show and Sale
Oct 29-31, 2010
Botanical Gardens, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL

Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair
November 6-7, 2010
Simpson Cove - Mount Dora, FL

Do You Really Know What Zone You Are In?

2009-10-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

Most of us probably think we know what hardiness zone we are in. It's easy to find - dust off any one of your gardening books and the trusty USDA zone map will be in there. But there have been recent changes that could affect you.

For example, parts of Florida that were in zone 9, are now considered zone 10. The American Horticultural Society realeased an updated USDA zone map in 2003. In addition to zone changes, new zones were added. So, check the updated map to make sure you know your correct zone.

Act Now To Minimize Rust On Plumeria

2009-10-30T06:14:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again here in Florida. Rust is beginning to make an appearance here in Tampa Bay. It may be hard or even impossible to erradicate entirely, but you can significantly reduce the unsightly damage.

First, remove infected leaves, placing them in a trash bag or sealed container. Don't do this on a windy day, it will spread the spores. Then spray the trees with a systemic fungicide. Finally scatter a granular fungicide(for lawns) around the base of the trees. These products can be found at Ace Hardware or Lowes. Look for "Bayelton" as the active ingredient. One purchase will last several seasons.

Plumeria rust does not harm the plant, but it can degrade the appearance of your landscape, making your well cared for plumeria look sick. Taking a few easy measures can keep it at bay and keep your plants looking healthy.

Plumeria Photo - Diamond Of The First Water (Thai Variety)

2009-08-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

Plumeria Photo - Keiki

2009-07-30T06:12:00.000-07:00

Be On The Lookout For Mites

2009-06-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

A number of fellow gardeners here in Florida have had a spider mite problem this year. You need to be pro-active or you will lose your blooms. Look for webs, and tiny bugs under the leaves. Yellow leaves can also be an indicator, mites suck the chlorophyll from the leaves. Signs of damage include blackening of leaf edges, leaf curl, new leaves and buds turning black, loss of inflos, and black tip can also result from the damage.

Spray with a systemic to kill the mites. The eggs will continue to hatch, but over spraying can kill your plant, so a good hose spray will knock them off. It will take a couple of weeks to get rid of them. A non-toxic approach is to spray the plants with milk and water solution, it will get rid of the mites and also acts as a fungicide. Spray late in the evening when there is no sun. You can spray off the residue in the morning.

Plumeria To Be Featured At Naples Botanical Garden

2009-06-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

Naples Botanical Garden will be one of only two centers in the world for every registered cultivar of plumeria. Creators of registered plumeria are bringing samples to the International Plumeria Society of America (PSA) annual meeting in Texas this month for inspection and shipping of plants and cuttings.

Carolyn Miller formerly worked at Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens at Kauai, Hawaii and is the curator of collections at the new garden. Until the 1970s, few were cultivated in the U.S. outside of Hawaii. Florida's climate is ideal for plumeria. Plumeria are a landscaping challenge because they are dormant three to four months a year, just bare sticks in the ground. In this garden they will be an understory tree to silk floss trees, which bloom in the fall when the plumeria are dormant.

The 170 acre development will be complete in November and will have three major gardens, a birding tower, a River of Grass swale and walkable preserve.
The horticulture manager estimates the number of plants he and his staff have moved to be in the thousands.

The garden is planning a major public opening the weekend of Nov. 14th. In January a research building project with Florida Gulf Coast University will open and two more gardens, a Florida Garden and an Asian garden will be complete in 2010, adding 20 more acres.

Jim Little Interview Video

2009-05-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

Plumeria Photo - Butterfly Gold

2009-05-20T06:18:00.000-07:00

Rust Treatment Results - Bayleton

2009-02-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

Rust has been a problem for many plumeria growers in recent years. I had none until last summer. I suspect I got it from a cutting or plant I got in the mail. For a long time it was confined to the front yard, which is surprising since the yard is only 80 x 100. Finally it hopped the fence and the plumies in the back yard became infected as well. After reading some message boards suggestions, I tried Bayer Advanced fungus control (which is made for lawns) as well as a systemic fungicide. They both have the active ingredient Bayleton, and I got them from Ace Hardware in Largo, Florida.

First I cut all the leaves off, to prevent reinfestation, it was March so there weren't many to cut. I sprayed the branches with the fungicide spray. Then I sprinkled it around the base of each plant. I'm a bit paranoid, so I treated again in May. When I get new plants I sprinkle them as well. It is now July, and I am happy to say I am still rust free.