West Indian Jasmine (Plumeria alba) is a striking deciduous tree native to Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles, prized for its intensely fragrant white flowers with golden centers. Growing 15 to 25 feet tall in a graceful vase shape, this member of the dogbane family thrives in warm climates (zones 10-12) where it produces abundant 3-inch blooms in terminal clusters during the growing season. Its thick, milky-sapped branches and moderate water and maintenance needs make it a rewarding choice for tropical and subtropical gardeners willing to give it space to spread.
Full Sun
Moderate
10-12
300in H x 300in W
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Moderate
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The fragrance alone justifies growing this tree; those 5-petaled white flowers with yellow centers release an intoxicating scent that intensifies in warm weather. Drought tolerant once established, it actually prefers drier soils and despises waterlogged conditions, which is rare among flowering trees. In cooler climates, gardeners can contain its ambitions in pots and bring it indoors for winter, making even zone 9 gardeners able to enjoy blooms if they're willing to fuss a bit.
This tree is grown primarily as an ornamental for its spectacular fragrant flowers, which are widely used in lei-making and fresh floral arrangements throughout the tropics. The blooms serve as cut flowers for their remarkable fragrance and visual appeal, and the tree itself functions as a stunning focal point in tropical gardens where its architectural form and seasonal flowering create year-round visual interest.
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“West Indian Jasmine originated in the Caribbean, particularly Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles, where it grew as a native tree in tropical island ecosystems. From there, it spread into cultivation across tropical regions worldwide, becoming a beloved ornamental in gardens where warmth and sun are guaranteed. The common name 'nosegay' reflects its historical use as a fragrant cut flower, a tradition that persists wherever it's grown today.”