I was wondering why whites and yellows produce stronger frangrance than reds and pinks and what might be some of the most frangrant multi-color plumerias and reds and pinks?
Jackie
Why whites are more fragrant - what reds are most fragrant?
The same thing that attracts people to flowers - color and fragrance - also attract pollinators.
Because white flowers lack the brilliant color to attract pollinators, they rely more heavily on their fragrance. Although plumerias are sun loving plants, most of the flowers that grow in shade or on the forrest bottom are white. They use the combination of the white that stands out in the dark and their fragrance to attract pollinators. Many flowers that rely on moths for pollination are white. Their fragrance is more noticeable in the evening when the air is calm and moist.
One of the pollinators of the plumeria is the sphinx moth. This may be one of the reasons they are most fragrant at night. They have no nectar and they fool their pollinators with their scent.
Vera Cruz Rose is one of the most fragrant plumerias. If I remember correctly, one of the threads on this forum asks everyone to list their favorite scents.
Hetty can list the most fragrant. Scents are her forte.
Jackie, that is a good question. Oftentimes, when hybrids are made, scent can be lost in the crossing. Plumerias actually have tiny reproductive parts that not many pollinators can reach so quite a few actually self-pollinate. Thrips are said to be the most common pollinators. But even when manual crosses can be achieved, there is no guarantee that the fragrance of one of the parents was passed on.
I compiled a list of fragrances and revised them not too long ago here: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/687548/ The list is made up of my opinions as well as many others.
Some reds with a great fragrance include Barry's Orange Pink, Kauka Wilder, and Hurricane. Angus Selection #3 also has a wonderful fragrance. Grove Farm is more of a pink, but it has a strong spicy fragrance. Nassau is a dark pink with a nice fragrance, and Key West Pink is one of my favorites too. Teresa Wilder, Candy Stripe, and Kimo are all wonderful too.
I actually find that the fragrance is best in the heat of the day at the hottest part of the afternoon.