Plumeria, also known as Frangipani, is a tropical flowering tree valued for its waxy blooms and sweet fragrance. These trees produce flowers in a broad spectrum of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red, which has led to their widespread popularity in warm climates. The intense interest in a “Hawaiian blue” variety stems from the desire for the rare and unusual in the botanical world. The pursuit of a truly blue Plumeria is a common quest among enthusiasts.
The Myth Versus the Reality of Blue Plumeria Color
The concept of a pure, true blue Plumeria flower is a botanical impossibility in the genus Plumeria. The reason lies in the natural pigments available to the plant, which are primarily carotenoids and anthocyanins. Carotenoids produce the yellow, orange, and red tones. Anthocyanins in Plumeria are incapable of synthesizing the precise chemical structure required to reflect a pure blue wavelength of light.
All existing Plumeria varieties lack the necessary genetic pathway to produce the pigment delphinidin, which is responsible for true blue coloration in other flowers. The colors marketed as “blue” are actually the result of deep concentrations of purple and magenta anthocyanins. These dark purple flowers can appear to have a bluish cast, especially when viewed under specific lighting conditions, such as early morning or late evening. This phenomenon is often exaggerated in photography, creating the illusion of a color the plant cannot biologically generate.
Cultivars Marketed as Blue
The market responds to the demand for blue by naming deep purple or lavender varieties with blue-associated names, though their actual color profiles are significantly different. One such cultivar is ‘Ruby Blue,’ a Thai hybrid that displays lavender-pinkish flowers accented with deep purple. These sometimes fade to a cool, bluish tone as the bloom ages, but the shifting color is subtle and never a pure blue.
Another popular choice is ‘Blue Canyon,’ which produces a soft lavender-violet hue with a contrasting orange center. The depth of the violet color contributes to its “blue” marketing, especially since the color may intensify under high-heat conditions. Varieties like ‘Purple Jack’ and ‘Viola G’ also fall into this category, offering a range of dark magenta and purple shades that are the closest the species comes to the sought-after color.
Essential Care and Cultivation Requirements
Plumeria trees require specific care to thrive and produce their highly valued flowers. The trees are tropical and demand a minimum of six to eight hours of direct, full sunlight daily to generate the energy needed for robust blooming. Insufficient light will result in leggy growth and significantly reduced flower production.
Proper soil drainage is equally important, as Plumeria cannot tolerate “wet feet” and are prone to root rot in soggy conditions. A well-draining soil mix should be used, and deep watering is recommended, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between applications. The tropical nature of the plant means it must be protected from cold. Temperatures consistently below 50°F can cause damage, and they must be moved indoors or protected when temperatures drop toward 40°F to encourage dormancy. During the active growing season, regular fertilization with a formulation higher in phosphorus helps promote strong flower development.
Why the Name Hawaiian is Used
The common use of the term “Hawaiian Plumeria” is a reflection of cultural association and marketing, rather than geographical origin. Plumeria is not native to the islands; it originated in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean and was introduced to Hawaii in the 1860s. The warm climate and volcanic soil of Hawaii allowed the plant to flourish, quickly becoming embedded in the local culture.
Known locally as melia, the flower is prominently used in the creation of leis, symbolizing hospitality, love, and respect. This has cemented its identity as an icon of the islands. The “Hawaiian” descriptor is often used by nurseries and breeders as a marketing term to convey tropical authenticity and the fragrant nature of the blooms, even for cultivars developed elsewhere.