Book Review: Frangipani by Ross, Stowar and Rose

A Practical Guide to Growing and Enjoying Frangipanis at Home

Aug 26, 2008

Frangipanis are more than a beautiful tropical plant. They are also popular as a design feature in landscaping and as a home decoration motif.

Frangipanis (New Holland, 2008) by Linda Ross and John Stowar is a comprehensive guide to the ever popular Frangipani or plumeria family of plants. With stunning photography by Lorna Rose and a collection of photographers, this book offers information on growing and caring for frangipanis as well as information on the various types, history of the plant and use of frangipanis in art, decoration and landscaping.

The book is divided into four sections, with information on frangipani history, science, growing and design.

History of Frangipanis

Lovers of frangipani flowers will enjoy reading about the origin of the species in Aztec and Mayan civilisations and the dissemination of the plant through Asia, the US and Australia. A variety of frangipani species are described including:

A brief summary of the medicinal properties of the plants is provided as well as a guide to the various names used to refer to frangipani/plumeria plants including Egg Flower, Sacuanjoche, Champa Flower, Jasmine de Cayenne, Flor de Mayo and Graveyard Tree.

Science of Frangipanis

This section is for those looking to enhance their appreciation of frangipanis, with information on colour, fragrance, texture, flower and leaf shape and other sensory details.

Growing Frangipanis

Extolling the virtues of frangipanis as minimal care plants, Ross and Stowar offer information on how to get the best from frangipanis in a home garden. This includes advice on choosing appropriate pots or planters, transplanting mature plants, drainage issues and pruning.

A troubleshooting section offers tips for combating a variety of common pests and diseases of frangipanis and dealing with climate and weather issues. There are also detailed notes on proagation of the plants from cuttings and seeds and a basic outline of grafting techniques.

In addition to the common Celadine frangipani, the plant exists in a wide variety of cultivars. Details are given for a variety of cultivars including the Hawai’ian Bill Moragne and Jim Little hybrids and the Australian Steven Prowse collection. Photos accompany these descriptions and a list of 65 named cultivars are accompanied by a photo to facilitate identification.

Frangipanis in Landscaping and Home Design

The hardiness of most varieties of frangipani make them ideal for use in home gardens. Tips for displaying frangipanis are offered for home gardens, water gardens, patios, courtyards and balconies as well as using the plant as a privacy screen or hedge or in a bonsai form.

On a more artistic level, the use of frangipanis in art and culture is discussed with instructions for making a frangipani lei, a recipe for Frangipane Tart, and decorating ideas with frangipanis.

For those looking for more information, a selection of books and articles for further reading as well as several websites are offered. A listing of formal gardens and nurseries around the world where the best specimens can be found will tempt frangipani lovers to pack their bags and head off on a frangipani world tour.

A Comprehensive Guide to a Popular Plant

Whether a home gardener or skilled horticulturalist, Frangipanis has something to offer anyone who is fascinated by this beautiful and diverse plant. Ideal as a coffee table book or a gift for a frangipani-loving friend, this practical guide combines useful information with beautiful photography to delight frangipani fans everywhere.

The copyright of the article Book Review: Frangipani by Ross, Stowar and Rose in Gardening Books is owned by Susan Whelan. Permission to republish Book Review: Frangipani by Ross, Stowar and Rose in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.