I'm very interested in trying one of these dwarf varieties if they only get to be about 6'. How wide do they get? How big is the trunk? What size pot do you recommend? I can keep them protected during the cold season I think if they don't need water/light during the winter (I'm pretty neglectful of houseplants, which is why I don't try them). But, during the spring/summer/fall, I can provide some pretty intense light. My altitude is 6000' so I can have some pretty intense sun. My heat is not necessarily all that hot, though... mid 90s in the summer. No humidity, would that be a problem?

I love plumerias.. they smell SOOOOOO wonderful!! I *think* there's a LGS here that sells them...

There are plenty of people growing Plumeria in similar conditions, although I do not know of anyone specifically in Denver. I would say give it a try!

Very pretty blooms. I've been noticing a lot of plumeria interest on this site, but am totally unfamiliar with it. Appears to be a tropical of some sort which is out of my ballpark. I'll enjoy them from afar, the photos are gorgeous.

Deb - I'm way more out of range for a tropical, but I'm thinking about trying one!!

Thanks so much for this article, Hetty. My brother planted a plumeria in DeLand, and I have no idea of its name. It did bloom for me once, however, died back during those cold periods several winters ago and I thought it was lost, but it has come back. I am hoping perhaps DH and I can dig it up without damaging it and put it in a pot, where we will be able to put it in the garage on frosty nights.

Jean, Plumeria go dormant in the winter. They will be totally happy dug up and in a frost free area (with no need for water or light) during the cold months.

Thanks Hetty. That is good to know -- something that I don't have to worry about light and water!

I am in central Florida. I have wintered over (with a frost cloth) 3 Pulmerias. The oldest 5 feet tall, bloomed this summer . Blooms last up to 3 months. They are in small (10"/12") pots. They like to be pot bound with a lot of moisture and excellent drainage. Use ONLY a low nitrogen - high phosphorus fertilizer. (10/50/10) in frequent but diluted doses from the first sign of leaf break in the spring. Continue all summer long. Good luck. Dan

Dan, I love it that that works for you, it is not what I would recommend, though.....

What kind of soil mix do you use?

Yeah, I realize it will always be a sensitive plant to manage. I was just so excited she liked living the cubicle life in the office and grew a lot of leaves. And half have fallen off in one week! Will the stem/trunk keep growing upwards? No leaves or anything below the current growth?