Singapore Graveyard Flower, scientifically known as Plumeria obtusa, is a tropical tree native to the Bahamas and Greater Antilles that has earned its place in gardens worldwide for its intoxicating fragrance and stunning white blooms. Growing 10-25 feet tall depending on conditions, this rounded evergreen or semi-evergreen tree produces clusters of five-petaled white flowers with luminous yellow centers from spring through fall, with peak bloom in July and August. Hardy in zones 10-12, it thrives in full sun with moderate watering and moderate maintenance, making it an excellent flowering specimen for warm climates or container cultivation in cooler regions.
Full Sun
Moderate
10-12
300in H x 300in W
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High
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The fragrant white flowers with their sunny yellow throats appear in abundance from spring through fall, creating a tropical canopy of delicate blooms that fill the air with an unmistakable sweet scent. Container growers in cooler climates have discovered they can overwinter this tree indoors at 50-55 degrees, bringing it back outside each season. The tree's semi-evergreen nature means it naturally sheds leaves during dry winters, shedding extra maintenance work while adapting to seasonal shifts.
Singapore Graveyard Flower functions as a striking ornamental flowering tree in tropical landscapes, thriving as a specimen plant where its clusters of fragrant blooms can be fully appreciated. In cooler climates, gardeners cultivate it in containers for seasonal outdoor display, bringing it indoors during winter months. Its elegant form and abundant fragrant flowers make it particularly suited to memorial gardens, courtyards, and any space where a graceful flowering tree with aromatic presence is desired.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant container-grown specimens outdoors after the last frost date in your region. Ensure soil temperature is consistently warm and night temperatures remain above 50 degrees. Space trees 10-15 feet apart to accommodate mature spread of 120-300 inches. Harden off container plants gradually over 7-10 days before planting, exposing them to increasing periods of outdoor sun and wind.
Prune after flowering ends to shape the rounded canopy and remove any crossing or damaged branches. Light pruning maintains the tree's naturally attractive form without requiring heavy cutting. Remove lower branches to create a small tree form, or leave them for fuller coverage. Avoid severe pruning, which can delay the next season's bloom cycle.
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“Plumeria obtusa originates from the tropical islands of the Bahamas and Greater Antilles, where it has grown as part of the native flora for centuries. From there, it was introduced into tropical regions worldwide, gradually becoming established in gardens across warm climates. Its common name, Singapore Graveyard Flower, reflects its widespread planting in Asian cemeteries and memorial gardens, where its elegant appearance and fragrant blooms made it a meaningful choice for honoring the deceased.”