I got a plumeria tree with three big branches from a friend. I want to winter it over. it is big so I would like to winter it over in the garage which I do not allow to freeze. I have 3 oleander trees that are quite large, a mimosa and a fig tree which I put in the garage
and winter over. The oleanders do not drop their leaves. But the mimosa and fig do and start up again in the garage because there is a very large window that provides a lot of light.
Do you think I could winter over my plumeria in my garage like I described? It is still blooming its heart out and I don't want to kill it.
thank you
Cheryl

I have limited experience with Plumerias, but I think your plan will work.

Plumerias are tropical. They can be overwintered but will drop leaves as well. They will require some direct sun. "A lot of light is NOT good sun".
Check out our forums on Plumeria. There should be some very good information there.
They can be rooted easily either in soil or water. Cuttings may be a good way to go!

I had a Plumeria when I still lived in California zone 8b. It spent summers in the yard but wintered over in my barn. It did very well that way for years until we had a particularly cold winter, then it died. On the other hand, the Oleanders, Mimosa and fig trees did fine outside (but were planted in the ground).

According to the zone lookup, you are in zone 6b. The Oleander and fig are probably hardy to zone 8 at least so will withstand temps in the 20's. The Mimosa Tree is hardy down close to 0. My neighbors have a huge one growing in their front yard here in zone 6b.

My point is that you can't compare a Plumeria, a tropical that can't handle temps much below 50 degrees, to your other 3 plants considered Mediterranean (still happy below freezing). It will only work if your garage stays above 50.

BTW, Oleander is an evergreen so keeps its leaves in the winter while Mimosa and fig trees are deciduous so drop their leaves in winter.

Frost free is fine. And the Plumeria will go dormant, so no light or water needed until spring.

Not sure what to do still...there is a vast difference in opinions here. If I would take a cutting, how exactly would I do that? Is there a link that could help me do that? It is too big to come into my house. Maybe I could cut one branch and take it in... that way I could save it. Thanks

Where are the forums on plumeria that you speak of BigBill?

Isn't there a tropical forum. Should be there.
I cut them to 12-15" in Florida and they rooted real easy. Just be careful not to let them get too much water until you get some new leaf growth.

cherjosullivan said:Where are the forums on plumeria that you speak of BigBill?

https://garden.org/forums/view...

This thread is now on the Plumeria Forum.

@cherjosullivan this is a really bad time to take cuttings. The plumeria will go dormant in the winter months and they will be slow or impossible to root during that time. Is there not a frost free place where you can store your plant? It won't need light or water while it's dormant.

Yes in my garage ... we do not let it freeze. Is that good enough Dutchlady1?

Agree that now is not a good time to take cuttings. Wait till spring. It should be fine in your garage if can keep above freezing a bit. Minimal to no care is necessary while dormant. Watch out for spider mites. They always attack mine when I move them into the greenhouse for winter. Even though the leaves will fall off soon they do take some strength away from the plant. And they are ugly.
Michael

Mine is still blooming we live on the water and we did not have a frost yet. Should I cut all the leaves and flowers off now?

If it is in your garage just let the leaves and inflo fall off on their own. No need to cut them off. Enjoy the flowers as long as you can.

Thanks all ...I will put it in the garage soon and let the leaves and flowers fall off...thanks for all of your advice.

Frostfree is fine.