Flowers only lasting two days

16 years ago

I live in Cyprus and bought my Plumeria in April as a small bare plant. It is now over four feet tall and looking quite healthy with new buds and flowers. However, the blooms fall off after a day or two.

I have spoken with someone else who lives here and they said their Plumeria flowered much earlier (May) and that the flowers lasted a long time.

Any ideas/suggestions would be gratefully received.

Vera

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

tdogdad
16 years ago
Plumerias produce many flowers which usually stay on the plant for just a few days. The plant keeps producing for a period from a month to 6 months, depending on the location and the variety. Most plants grow about 1 foot to 18" per year so your plants seems like it might be above average in growth. A high phosphorus fertilizer usually helps set flowers but your plant has buds and blooms so I would just enjoy the flowers. Normal flowers are between 5-8 centimeters across. If you have a picture it would help. Bill
vera_gardener
Original Author
16 years ago
Hi Bill

Thanks for your input. I will take a picture tomorrow and post it here - it's 9pm here in Cyprus and very dark!

Vera
Related Discussions
Passionflowers Last Only One Day?
Q
Comments (2)
Yes, that has been my experience also. But others are always coming on, so it isn't too noticeable. Sue
...See More
Eyeconic Pomegranate Lemonade
Q
Comments (7)
The species plant looks rather ferocious, to say the least, but your little plant is very sweet and really looks rather good for 70% off. Having seen enough pictures of your garden over the past few years, this will be a stellar plant in no time. The flowers don't look very "rosy" but are charming. Ingrid
...See More
Last two days to send in azalea photos for competition
Q
Comments (1)
If the contest is truly national, I suggest posting an earlier notice next year. Most azaleas have their spring flush in the south starting some time in March. That would give people (a) plenty of time to get their cameras ready and (b) lots of opportunity to discover excellent nature shots with azaleas in bloom. Luis
...See More
Flowers from the last couple of days
Q
Comments (10)
No More Tears has turned out to be one of my favorite pinks here. Seems to always open well and blooms much longer then just the stats would indicate....Seventy Times Seven is my next favorite. Love the color which is described as "pale apricot, pink, ivory peach". Seems to cover all the bases. Congratulations on catching the color. I can empathize with you trying to get a picture without the sun bleaching the colors out on "film".........Magnificent show on Christopher Moody and I like the lavender color on Katrina Heroes. Hope to see more of it..........Lots of lovelies in this post...........Maryl
...See More
vera_gardener
Original Author
16 years ago
Ok - here are two pictures. By the way, can you tell me the name of this specimen?

Vera

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1216250}}
vera_gardener
Original Author
16 years ago
Oops - only one picture! Here's the other one

Vera

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1216253}}
greenclaws UK, Zone 8a
16 years ago
Hi there VG, looks like a Celadine to me....but don't take that for certain as I am a relative newcomer to plumie growing and have just the one that has flowered so far...a Celadine! Was told they have a very distinctive vein running around the leaf margin, also your buds and flowers look identical to mine last year (no flowers this year for me though). Celadine also has a very sweet smell, delicious in fact.
Hopefully Bill or one of the other experts will come back and confirm ....or squash my theory entirely!! Hahaha.
Good luck, Gill.
john_luvs_frangipani
16 years ago
Below is a picture of a celedine leaf showing the distinctive second vein on the leaves. Picture was borrowed from MPG. Might help you with an ID.

John
{{gwi:1216256}}
karyn1
16 years ago
John thanks for posting that photo. I've heard about the extra vein on the side of a celadine leaf but have never seed a pic. I'll have to go take a look at my celadine now. lol Vera I'm not sure of the reason but my plumerias flowered much later then normal this year. I have blooms that drop after a couple days and some last much longer, even on the same plant. I've noticed that many of the blooms that drop quickly aren't as big and the color isn't as nice as the ones that last longer.
Karyn
tdogdad
16 years ago
Looks like a celadine flower. Smell is a waxy, lemony citrus smell that is, as Gill said, delicious. Whatever it is, Vera, it looks like your plant is very healthy and happy. I know nothing about the winter weather in Cyprus but protect it from frost if you get any and in the spring I would recommend giving the plant a heaping tablespoon of Epsoms salts in warm water (or Sulpomag) followed by a good high phosphorus fertilizer in about 10 days. Many people feed celadines an even blend 20-20-20 but mine are big and healthy on high-P. I do not recommend Miracle Gro for plumies because of damage to long term soil. Bill
vera_gardener
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you all for your replies.

Karyn - it's good to know my plant isn't the only one to drop flowers.lol

Thanks John for the leaf picture - mine is indeed a celadine!

I have another Plumeria which hasn't flowered yet Gill, no doubt I shall be posting a picture when it does to find out which species it is.

Bill - I shall be buying some epsom salts next spring!

Vera