Ok, when you guys are talking about fragrence on the plumies. How strong are we talking. Are there some that you have to get your nose right up to in order to smell it? Are some just so intense that you just have to be in the vicinity to smell it? Or does the smell intensify as the plant matures? ( so that I don't have to get my nose right upon it in order to smell it ).
Question about fragrence.
I would say is kinda like roses, except people seem to recognize rose scents without actually seeing them. Whereas, you could walk by a plumie, smell something divine and go: What's that? There are some where you have to get within a few inches of the flower, but definitely no need to stick your nose in it, lol. Some others, you jut walk by and the scent hits your senses in the most marvelous of ways.
I was at Plumerialady's house earlier this week picking up my plumie, and had the good fortune of getting the tour. Lordie, Lordie. the fragrance in the backyard was UNBELIEVABLE. And the colors on some of varieties--don't get me started on that!
If you don't have one, go git one, pronto!
LOL, I have 7 and one on the way. The only one that has bloomed for me so far is my Miami Rose but it's only got one flower on it. I can't take credit for it blooming. It arrived from FL COL's with the inflo and a few buds. I have to get real close in order to smell it. Maybe it's because it's only one so I'll have to wait until I get some big blooms to tell. I'm hopeing to be able to just relax in a chair and smell away. I have them all pulled up close around me to the chair. LOL
scoolie..the Miami Rose has a great fragrance...almost like coconuts...taning oil....and the singapore obtusa is my favorite scent...a strong citrus like scent....there are some with definite gardenia scents as well..and many, many more..
Growing plumies just makes good scents...8))
This message was edited Jul 19, 2006 7:21 PM
Scoolie, yes, yes, and yes. Some fragrances are strong and fill the air; some you have to stick your nose into to smell; and some have no fragrance at all. Also, the fragrance can seem stronger at different times of the day and evening, and the fragrance of the flowers can get stronger as the flowers get bigger as the plumeria matures. Here's an interesting article on fragrance: http://www2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/tpss/digest/hd102/hd102_3.html This one lists different plumerias and rates their fragrances: http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/OF-31.pdf I agree with Bob that Miami Rose has a great fragrance. Check out the list that I compiled and put in the FAQ's sticky thread if you haven't seen it!
Thanks guys for the info. Looks like I'm gonna have to add Duke and Kauka Wilder to my collection. They look like they have some of the strongest scent out there. My newest addition is Scott Prowse from Brad. Out of the 3 cuttings I received from MPG. The mystery cutting bit the dust. Still holding out on the Lei Rainbow, kinda shriveled up but not soft below the dirt line. The EWC # 3 looks to have rooted for me. Nice and frim all over and leaves opening up, albeit slowly. The unknown one that I was having trouble with its leaves turning yellow and dropping them has made a turn around. I must have been overwatering it. I let it go for a while and it stopped doing it. It still has the drooping leaves but they are pretty big at about 19 inches long. So since I don't know what kind it is or what color it will be I've decided to name it Lowe's LopEar'd.
Scoolie, I have Duke, and it is nice, but I don't find it that strong. Kauka Wilder is a must-have for fragrance. Key West Pink and Celadine are tops too. Congrats on your Scott Prowse purchase! That is a lovely Oz one. Sorry about your mystery cutting. I wonder if it was a red. Those can be hard to root sometimes from what I have heard. Your other ones sound like they are doing great. I would continue to mist your Lei Rainbow. Sometimes the wrinkles can be from not getting enough water, especially if it doesn't have roots yet. Some leaves are just droopy by nature. I have a seedling that has super long leaves which are droopy also. I think Aztec Gold has droopy leaves as well. I like your LL name! LOL!
Some plumeria like Vera Cruz Rose and Grove Farm will knock you out with their scent from 6 ft away; others are more subtle.
Aztec Gold is of course one of the top 10 for its (peach) fragrance; Celadine as Clare mentioned is a very lovely scent as well. The singapore obtusa should not be left out here: it is the 'classic frangipani fragrance' which will fill the air, especially at night.
Thanks Clare and Hetty, I ordered the Kauka Wilder cutting earlier today along with the Hilo Beauty. I love the red ones. I already have the Aztec Gold and will be getting some Duke seeds by way of you Hetty via Ebay. I will be checking out the Key West Pink, Celadine, VC Rose, Grove Farm and Singapore Obusa also.
I finally saw what you guys were talking about with the heat and making the colors darker on the flowers. I finally had the one bud on my Miami Rose bloom for me last week. It was a really dark pink/purple/red. We were having temps around 105-108. I can't wait to have a full inflo of my own and see them in bloom.
I know im a little late here buuuut....
I have a few id love to mention
Firstly, my newly aquired 'Thai Rose', a gently colored yellow and white with long pointed petals.
She smells of Jasmine or mild fragipani early in the morning and changes to coconut suntan lotion in the evening lol!!
I love how they change with the day.
I also love love love my 'Mrs. Malestrom' she smells like sweet cherry candy!! Cherry Coke in fact!
IIl be naming her 'Mrs. Malestrom' A.K.A. 'Cherry Coke'
I cant keep my nose out of her!
Giant Aussie Orange also has a lovely scent, my sinuses are all boogered so I cant put a finger on it as yet
But I also cant keep my nose out of her petals lol!!
I agree with others i would have to say the Vera Cruz Rose,Aztec Gold,South Florida Gold.
I like to say my Flamingo Pink has a smell like no other plumie in the world i have yet to encountered a plumie that smells like her..
She is very strong but soft rose/baby powder smell..
You can stand near the tree and smell her from 5 feet away at least..
One day Mike can back me up on this :)
Hopefully real soon!! ;^)
It's never too late! I don't imagine I'll have many other plants on my balcony next year. Mostly Plumies. Especially after all the advice and generosity from everyone here. Thanks.