If you love fragrant tropical flowers, you need to know about plumerias. These interesting tropical trees have a distinctive appearance, and some of the most fragrant flowers I’ve ever encountered. 

Growing up in South Florida, these trees were all over the place. Their ease of care, paired with their sweet-smelling flowers, makes them highly popular. They require little care and are about the easiest trees to propagate that I am aware of. You simply cut off a branch and put it in the ground, and within a year, you have another tree growing in that spot!

The trees are excellent for landscaping, as they make an exemplary focal point. They also make wonderful potted plants if you live in a cooler climate. They will only survive the winter in zones 10-12, but they are happy growing in pots. I have five that thrive all summer in my yard and spend their dormant season in a greenhouse without any problems. 

Culturally, plumerias are the traditional flowers used in making Hawaiian leis. Several Eastern religions use them as temple offerings and as wedding decorations. In some cultures, they represent renewal and immortality. Because of their strong fragrance, they are popular for use in perfumery and in other cosmetic products. 

An interesting note on fragrance: there is no one true plumeria scent. Each variety has its own distinct fragrance, which is what sets them apart and makes them so enchanting and fascinating. Let’s discuss some of the most fragrant plumeria varieties and their singular and magnificent scents. 

‘Aztec Gold’

This popular cultivar has a vibrant yellow hue.

‘Aztec Gold’ is probably the most common and popular yellow variety of plumeria. I have two of these wonderful trees, both grown from cuttings of a tree I cultivated at my first home in Lake Worth, Florida, where they grow year-round. They can reach 15 feet in height, but typically remain smaller in containers. 

The flowers are a whorl of deep, golden yellow in the center with rounded, white edges. The buds and backs of the petals are often tinged with a pink hue. I would describe the fragrance of this cultivar as peaches and cream. I know that sounds odd, but once you smell it, it’s unmistakable. It’s a wonderful plumeria variety and a reliable bloomer. 

‘Singapore White’

This plant loses its leaves when it gets cold.

‘Singapore White’ is the only P. obtusa cultivar on my list, and it’s noteworthy for several reasons. This plumeria produces large clusters of beautiful white flowers. It blooms nearly year-round in tropical climates. The flowers are white with a yellow throat, and the petals incurve slightly at the rounded ends.

This plumeria variety holds its leaves longer than most. They all shed their leaves in winter. It’s a larger cultivar, reaching a mature height of 25 feet in the ground. The blooms have a strong, sweet, lemony fragrance. It’s considered one of the most fragrant cultivars.

‘Kauka Wilder’

These showy blooms are sure to attract attention.

This larger specimen has spectacularly brilliant flowers. Clusters of blooms have a more distinctive star shape, as opposed to the more rounded flowers of some cultivars. The blooms are bright red and have a pop of bright yellow in the center. They are colorful and flashy, and bloom from spring to fall. 

This plumeria variety is exceptionally fragrant. The scent is strong, sweet, and a mixture of fruit and spice. Some describe coconut undertones, while others detect a hint of peach in these blossoms. Whatever you detect, the fragrance is undeniably intoxicating. 

‘Celadine’

These bloom well in the spring.

‘Celadine’ is a popular and reliable plumeria variety, making it an excellent choice for beginners. All plumerias are easy to grow, but some are remarkably dependable bloomers, and this is one of them. Where some cultivars bloom primarily in spring, this one will repeat bloom through the summer and fall. 

The flowers are bright yellow with a distinct, pure white edge. They are star-shaped rather than circular, meaning the petals have a looser whirling structure. The fragrance is strong and citrusy, often described as lemon with a touch of suntan lotion. Some also detect notes of white florals, such as jasmine and gardenia. 

‘Mardi Gras’

The flowers are bright and colorful.

If the name ‘Mardi Gras’ makes you think that this must be a colorful plumeria, the name is perfect for this cultivar. The whorl of five to six rounded petals is a melange of yellow, white, and bright pink. They are truly a celebration in flowers. 

Some describe the fragrance of ‘Mardi Gras’ plumeria as tropical or candy-like. They certainly smell rich, sweet, and fruity. In warm climates, this is a moderate to heavy bloomer, beginning in summer and continuing into the fall months. 

‘Puu Kahea’

It has a distinct scent similar to orange blossoms.

‘Puu Kahea’ is a favorite plumeria variety among collectors. Its flowers are distinct and unique, making this one highly recognizable. The blooms are star-shaped with elongated petals. Each petal is a combination of yellow and white with a bright pink stripe along one side that intensifies with heat. It gives the appearance of a pinwheel. 

In terms of fragrance, some describe this one as citrusy, reminiscent of orange blossoms. It starts out mild and creamy, gradually intensifying and taking on a tangy lemon quality. It’s a smaller cultivar with a nice branching form, making it a popular choice for landscape trees. It loves hot weather and is highly drought-tolerant. 

‘Jeannie Moragne’

It has a stronger scent compared to other cultivars.

The Moragne collection, bred by Bill Moragne, bears the names of his loved ones, including his wife, Jean, his daughters, and his granddaughters. This one gets her name from his daughter-in-law, Jean Jr. ‘Jeannie Moragne’ is a celebrated and striking cultivar that has extra-large flowers and a strong perfume. 

The blooms are bright pink with a splash of yellow in the center and orange veining. They are four to five inches across, some of the largest around. They have a glowing quality that makes this a popular cultivar among collectors. The fragrance is strong and fruity with a strong rose element. 

‘San Germain’

It can grow up to 15 feet.

‘San Germain’ is an elegant and distinctive hybrid of P. caracasana. It’s a small cultivar known for its classic and prolific white flowers. In warm climates, expect this variety to bloom from late spring through fall. The form is upright and well-branched, reaching approximately 15 feet in height. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for container gardening. 

The flowers are large and white with a distinct and glowing golden throat that intensifies in hot weather. It’s often in the running when the most fragrant plumerias are the topic of conversation. The blooms have an intensely sweet honeysuckle scent.

‘Vera Cruz Rose’

The petals form a pinwheel shape.

Romantic and refined, ‘Vera Cruz Rose’ is a highly sought-after variety among collectors. The large flowers are a dreamy combination of yellow, peach, and pale pink. Yellow is the predominant color, with an ombre of peach to pink along one edge. It has the pinwheel appearance of many cultivars. 

The fragrance of ‘Vera Cruz Rose’ is the true selling point. The rose in its name is not there because the flower resembles a rose. Instead, these blossoms have a strong, old garden rose fragrance. It’s unmistakably rich with just a hint of spice. 

‘Calcutta Star’

It is a prized and recognizable cultivar.

If you come across a ‘Calcutta Star’ plumeria, snap it up if you can. These are rare and absolutely gorgeous. Collectors will pay a pretty penny for a cutting from one of these trees. The star portion of its name refers to the form of the flowers, which do indeed resemble stars. 

The blooms are bright pink with a small white marking in the center, surrounding a deep orange throat. It is striking and highly recognizable. It’s one of the strongest-smelling cultivars, with an intoxicating, spicy, floral fragrance. 

‘Makaha Sunn’

It loves warm climates.

This variety goes by several names, including Sunkist and Inferno, but the official name is ‘Makaha Sunn.’ In the Hawaiian language, the word makaha means savage or fierce. This tropical tree thrives in heat and intense sunlight, which intensifies the colors of its blooms. 

The large flowers are golden yellow with a bold streak of coral along one side, giving that distinctive pinwheel look. It’s a medium-sized cultivar that’s well-suited for container growing. A vigorous plant, the form is well-branched, and the fragrance is strong and sweet, with notes of tropical fruit. 

‘Inca Gold’

These yellow blooms appear almost golden.

‘Inca Gold’ is another collector’s favorite for its brilliant color and classic fragrance. If you’re looking for a glowing gold cultivar, this is a perfect example. The richly saturated yellow flowers have rounded petals with a thin white edge. In hot weather, the yellow deepens, taking on peach tones. 

At 10 to 15 feet tall, this is a great container plumeria. Its blooming time is brief but intense, and it has an upright, well-branched shape. The strong, sweet fragrance is warm, floral, and distinctively tropical. 

‘Charlotte Ebert’

Their colors grow intense with the climate’s heat.

‘Charlotte Ebert’ is a much-loved plumeria cultivar with gorgeous, hot pink flowers that have a golden-orange throat. It blooms abundantly, and the color of the blooms intensifies with heat and full sun exposure. It’s a smaller variety that’s good for container growing. 

When it comes to memorable flowers, ‘Charlotte Ebert’ is nothing if it’s not memorable. Those bright, flashy flowers aren’t just beautiful; they are intensely fragrant. The scent is a combination of tropical and fruity with a white floral quality. Coconut and jasmine are common scents to associate with this blooming beauty.

‘Kaneohe Sunburst’

These are great as container plants.

Intense, vivid, and highly sought-after. These are all words to describe ‘Kaneohe Sunburst’ plumeria. This eye-catching cultivar has famously brilliant pink blooms with a glowing golden center. The extra-large flowers become more vibrant with intense heat and sunlight. 

‘Kaneohe Sunburst’ is a compact and well-branched variety, making it ideal for container growing. The fragrance is classic tropical fruit. It’s strong and sweet. The flowers are popular for making leis from, as they are particularly long-lasting. 

‘Kimi Moragne’

Another member of the Moragne series of hybrid plumerias, ‘Kimi Moragne’ gets her name from one of the breeder’s granddaughters. It is one of the most famous of these hybrids, and with good reason. It is distinctively recognizable and stunning. 

‘Kimi Moragne’ features intense, rose-pink flowers with a subtle golden glow at their center. The slightly pointed petals are incurving and have a distinctive whirling habit. The large tree has beautiful canopy development, and the flowers have a strong, fruity, classically tropical fragrance.