Frangipani prefers dry, warm and frost-free climates. It is hardy grown outdoors in Sunset’s Climate Zones 12, 13, 19, 21 through 24, H1 and H2. Gardeners residing in cooler locations should grow it in containers. Bring potted plants indoors when temperatures drop to 32 degrees F. For the best performance and blooms, grow in full to partial sun. Trees receiving six to eight hours of sunlight produce the most abundant blooms, according to the South California Plumeria Society. Frangipani benefits from afternoon shade when summer conditions are dry, sunny and hot. The tree is moderately salt-tolerant.
Prune frangipani only to control its size or shape or to remove broken and diseased branches. Use loppers or bypass pruners. Trim the branch flush to its joining point on a main branch or trunk. Avoid ripping and damaging the tree's bark by removing long and heavy branches by starting the first cut approximately 12 inches from the main branch. Prune through a third of the branch, cutting from bottom to top. Make the second cut approximately 1 inch from the first cut. Prune through a third of the branch, cutting from top to bottom. Lastly, cut the branch off flush to the trunk and it should fall without trunk damage. Frangipani tolerates pruning year-round, though winter pruning reduces springtime flowers.
