Plumeria Yellow

Darwin Yellow / Island Dream Yellow Frangipani

Botanical Name: Plumeria 'Yellow'
Family: Apocynaceae
Origin: Tropical Americas (Mexico, Central America & Caribbean)
Plant Type: Deciduous small tree / shrub

Overview

Turn up the holiday vibes in Adelaide and South Australia with this sunshine-yellow frangipani. ‘Yellow’ forms a tidy, branching framework that leafs out in late spring, then covers itself in sweetly fragrant yellow blooms right through summer and into early autumn. Heat-loving and low-water once established, it shines in warm courtyards, coastal suburbs and large containers.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2–4 m H × 2–3 m W (smaller in pots)
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Large, leathery mid-green leaves with fresh lime tints on new growth; drops leaves in winter exposing sculptural branches
• Flowers: Clusters of rich yellow, strongly fragrant blooms summer–autumn (Dec–Apr in SA)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Late spring leaf-out → high-summer perfume and colour → winter silhouette
• Wildlife Value: Attracts Butterflies; Good for Pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-Tolerant (once established), Heat-Tolerant, Coastal-Tolerant, Wind-Tolerant (stake when young). Frost sensitive—protect below ~2 °C; avoid waterlogging
• Planting Density: Specimen/avenue: 1 tree per 9–16 m² (3–4 m apart). Excellent for large containers
• Pet Friendly: Toxic (mild)—milky sap may irritate skin; ingestion can upset pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (6–8+ hrs) for best flowering and compact habit
• Soil: Very well-drained sandy/loam; raised beds or pots if clay; keep winter-wet away
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; keep almost dry in winter, especially when leafless
• Maintenance: Prune lightly late winter/early spring after frost risk; mulch in spring; low-P feed in early summer; tip cuttings root readily
• Lifespan: 25-50 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA in warm, frost-sheltered positions (coastal Adelaide ideal)
• Soil pH: Slightly acid to neutral (tolerates mildly alkaline with excellent drainage)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Poolside or courtyard feature for tropical impact and intoxicating summer scent
• North-facing wall to capture reflected heat and boost flowering in Adelaide’s climate
• Statement container on sunny patios; move to shelter over winter if needed

Why You Will Love It

Big yellow, sweetly fragrant flowers and a lush tropical look—right here in South Australia. Heat-loving, water-wise once established and brilliant in pots or warm garden pockets, ‘Yellow’ frangipani brings instant resort energy with very little fuss.