Plumeria 'Red Starfish'

Details

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's blooms. It is generally easy to grow in warm climates and benefits from well-drained soil and proper sunlight. Deer typically avoid this plant. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration:

• Insects
• Sap may irritate skin

Red Starfish Plumeria is recommended for the following landscape applications:

• Accent
• Patio Tree
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting

Features

Red Starfish Plumeria features uniquely shaped, star-like flowers with narrow, pointed petals in vibrant red tones accented by warm golden centers. The blooms appear in clusters at the ends of the branches from late spring through summer and are often lightly fragrant. Its deep green foliage provides a bold backdrop throughout the season, enhancing the striking floral display. The elongated leaves do not develop any significant fall color, and the fruit is not ornamentally significant.

Care

Planting & Growing

Red Starfish Plumeria will grow to be about 12 to 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 to 15 feet. It has an upright, open, and somewhat leggy growth habit, typically maintaining a clearance of 2 to 3 feet from the ground, making it suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate and, under ideal conditions, can live for many years.

This shrub thrives in full sun and requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight for best flowering. It prefers well-drained soils, especially sandy or loamy types, and does not tolerate standing water or overly wet conditions. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and well-suited for water-wise landscapes. It is somewhat tolerant of salt and urban pollution, performing well in coastal and inland environments. This plant is not native to North America, and its milky sap may be toxic if ingested and can irritate skin, so care should be taken when planting around children and pets. It can be propagated by cuttings.