I Have Several Plumerias That Have Been Potted For Several…
Danny Asked
I have several plumerias that have been potted for several years. This year I planted several in the ground and they did great. With winter coming I was told I could take them out of the ground and let them go dormant. I don’t know whether to do this or take them out of the ground and repot them.
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi, Danny: Plumeria, also commonly known as Frangipani, are native to tropical America. For those of us not living in these tropical regions we can still enjoy them during the warmer months. If given the right growing conditions they produce lovely scented blooms lasting all summer long. Unfortunately they will not survive colder winters outside so there are a couple of options in terms of over-wintering your plumeria. First, you can dig up the plant and pot it up in a container. If you are growing evergreen varieties this is your best option. This is a good option if you have a south-facing window or any brightly lit room. If this is the option you choose be certain to cut back on your watering. These plants will only require moisture every couple of weeks. The deciduous varieties are going to drop their foliage and will not need to be fertilized. They are not going to look great during the winter so keep this in mind as well when deciding on how to over-winter your plant. The second option is to dig up your plant, gently wash off the soil, and let the roots dry before storing it in a brown paper sack. You can remove the foliage at this time as well or just let it naturally defoliate. You will want to store your plant in a dry, dark space with good air circulation and above-freezing temperatures. A closet or basement is usually the best option. Be certain that the roots have dried before storing, otherwise it will be susceptible to root rot. Next spring bring your plant out of storage and pot it up, giving it a dose of your favorite fertilizer. Take it back outdoors after the frost-free date has passed and place it in a shady spot for a week or so. Gradually acclimate it back into the full sun and watch it put on new growth and your plant will eventually be full of blooms again. Be sure to wear gloves when dealing with the roots of this plant because the sap can cause skin irritations.
