Purchasing Plumeria Seedlings On Ebay

Gardeners not only can purchase plumeria cuttings and plants on Ebay, but they also can purchase plumeria seedlings. 

Following are some tips to consider before purchasing plumeria seedlings on Ebay.

Sometimes a picture of the mother plant is placed next to the picture of the seedling. The buyer is interested in purchasing the plumeria seedling which is the item that the seller is actually offering to sell. Placing the pictures next to each other can bring about confusion.

The buyer may come to the belief that the flowers of the seedling will look the same as the mother plant. This is not the case. One unique characteristic of plumeria seedlings is that they never grow and develop to look exactly the same as the mother plant.

When purchasing plumeria seedlings the buyer needs to make sure he or she understands these points of confusion by carefully reading the seller's description to know what he is selling and what is being purchased. The buyer needs to know that the picture of the mother plant does not suggest that the seedling is going to be an exact replica of the mother plant when fully developed and grown.

Growing your own plumeria plants from seeds may result in magnificent new hybrids never seen before. The following picture shows one of my own plumeria seedlings which bloomed just seven months after the seeds were planted.

 To have seedlings bloom just seven months after the seeds have been planted is rather rare, although I heard of one gentleman in New York and one lady in Thailand who also had their seedlings bloom in less than one year after planting the seeds. The usual time frame from planting the seeds to enjoying the flowers is about 1 1/2 to 4 years depending on the growing conditions.

Copyright © Bob Walsh

www.HowToGrowPlumeriaFrangipani.com 

Plumeria Plants Budding and Flowering in Fairbanks, Alaska

Welcome All Gardeners Worldwide,

On March 1, 2012 I received an email from Ms. Micheline Patterson from Fairbanks, Alaska, thanking me for my “wonderful” plumeria book, How To Grow Plumeria - Frangipani Anytime Anywhere!, which she had purchased. 

Ms. Patterson informed me that she is in the process of rooting some plumeria cuttings which she bought while vacationing on Hawaii.

Yesterday, June 4, 2012, three months later, I received a follow-up email from Ms. Patterson showing her success in flowering and growing plumerias in Alaska. 

With her permission I present to you Plumerias from Fairbanks, Alaska.

Plumeria flowers in Fairbanks, Alaska

Budding plumeria plant in Fairbanks, Alaska

Please note that the plumeria plant in the second picture is developing inflorescences, flower stalks, on BOTH branches.

Both pictures are proof that plumerias can be grown as far north as Alaska if proven and tested guidelines are followed.

Copyright © Bob Walsh
www.HowToGrowPlumeriaFrangipani.com

Plumeria Plant Care

Purchasing Plumeria Cuttings and Plumeria Plants on Ebay

Purchasing plumeria cuttings and plumeria plants on Ebay can
be an exciting adventure, but unfortunately it can end up as a very
frustrating experience if one does not know what to look for.

After locating plumeria cuttings or plants one likes, the buyer
should take a look at the vendor's positive feedback which is
shown as a percentage. It should be close to or at 100%.

Directly below the positive feedback is the feedback score 
which is a number of actual positive responses the vendor has 
received from buyers. 
 
This number reflects the number of products sold to customers 
who provided "positive feedback" per items purchased.  

The higher that number is reflects the vendor's reliability to
provide quality products on a consistent basis.

Plumeria cuttings and plants are offered from vendors worldwide on
Ebay with the majority being located in the United States and South
East Asia, for example Malaysia and Thailand.

Unfortunately, some vendors from South East Asia have given
a bad reputation to the region in general because they were
selling poor quality plumeria plants and cuttings to Ebay customers.

But this should not keep one from purchasing from vendors in South
East Asia which show a positive feedback close to or at 100%.

Reading the latest positive feedbacks left by previous customers 
also is a helpful tool when making the decision to buy or not to buy 
from a specific vendor. This is found on the merchant's homepage
located right below the positive feedback and feedback score.

Plumeria 'Rose Red'

                                                        
Following are some tips for purchasing plumeria cuttings and 
plants on Ebay....

1. Only buy cuttings and plants if you're able to see a picture of
    what is offered to the buyer 

 2. When viewing pictures of blue or purple plumeria flowers,
     the buyer should know that most of these pictures are
     produced in photo shops and the colors of the plumeria 
     flowers have been altered. Generally speaking, there are 
     no known blue or deep purple colored plumeria flowers.

3. During certain months of the year, especially from April to July,
    rooted plumeria plants with visible inflorescences, flower stalks,
    are offered.

    If the inflorescence has opened flowers, the developing buds
    and inflorescence may be lost after the plant arrives at its
    new destination and is planted in a climate different from its 
    origin.

    Shipping stress may be another contributing factor for the loss
    of the buds and the inflorescence. 

    If the developing inflorescence has emerged only a short way,
    it may or may not continue to develop in its new home due the
    above mentioned reasons.

4. Showing a tennis ball or shoe placed next to the plant offered
    gives the buyer a clearer perspective of the actual size of the 
    plant he or she is thinking about buying. 
    Any vendor doing this gets an extra "+" from me.

5. Check on the shipping charges which should be reasonable
    depending from where your cuttings or plants are being 
    shipped from. You can compare the shipping charges from
    other Ebay vendors in the same area for a perspective of
    what would be considered "reasonable".

6. Question phrases which include "very easy to grow". Each
    plumeria has it's own unique characteristics and when
    adjusting to a new non tropical temperate growing zone
    the plumeria plant or cutting has new challenges to bring 
    it into flowering. 

7. If a vendor offers a "return policy" be sure to read very carefully.
    You can contact a vendor with an email for any clarifications. 

8. Be leery of purchases that offer free phytosanitary inspection
    certificates and free shipping from overseas. Generally,
    there is a cost for each inspection certificate and, of course,
    shipping and handling charges. Any shipment of plumeria 
    cuttings or plants coming to the United States or Canada
    needs to have properly executed inspection certificates.

9. Contact your local Customs Office or visit their website to
    find out what forms and procedures need to be followed.

10. Some foreign vendors include a disclaimer notice that they
    are not responsible for any cuttings or plants confiscated
    by Customs agents. 

11. Consult with family members, friends or other gardeners
    you know who buy from Ebay vendors and ask them if 
    they have ordered from a particular vendor that you are
    now interested in ordering from and check out what their 
    experience was.
 
In conclusion, it can be said that Ebay is a great place to shop
for anything, including plumeria cuttings and plants if one follows
guidelines on how to choose a reputable retailer.

Take the time to browse thru different vendors' stores, compare 
the offers and you can end up with a great purchase.

Copyright © Bob Walsh
www.HowToGrowPlumeriaFrangipani.com
www.BobWalshFrangipaniPlumeriaPflege.com 

  

History Of 'How To Grow Plumeria - Frangipani Anytime Anywhere!'

Welcome All Gardeners Worldwide,

It's now more than 11 years that I started growing plumerias in Chicago, plant hardiness zone 5.

Lurline

It was clear through everything I read about plumerias, the general consensus was that it was impossible to grow and flower plumeria plants in growing zone 5. It was very frustrating at the beginning and I bought the few books on plumeria plants that were available at this time.

This books were written by gardeners growing plumerias in Hawaii, India and southern Texas. I followed the guidelines in these books religiously only to lose one plumeria cutting and plant after another.
 

Kimo

The books I followed are very informative books for gardeners living in tropical climates, but definitely did not apply to plumeria gardeners in temperate climates.

After I lost numerous plumeria cuttings and plants I knew that I had to find my own growing techniques. It still was an adventure with many ups and downs.

The next years I experimented with mixing my own potting mediums, fertilizers and techniques, soil additives, grow lights, fungicides, insecticides and more. I took notes of successes as well failures as they occurred.

Samoan Fluff

Friends and family were amazed at my devotion and success of finally being able to grow and flower plumeria plants outside their natural habitat of tropical and subtropical regions
right here in plant hardiness zone 5.

They convinced me to start writing my plumeria book and share my gained knowledge with other plumeria loving gardeners. This book would provide new hope for temperate zone plumeria lovers that they, too, could create a garden of these beautiful sensuous flowers
despite the common consensus that told them it couldn't be done.

Daisy Wilcox

It was my goal to write the book in an easy to understand format in English and supplement it with illustrations so gardeners worldwide, including those practicing English as a second language, are able to successfully follow the step-by-step instructions that are provided in the book.

After I finished writing the book, I ask several friends and family members to read it. Some of them didn't have any or much knowledge about plants, and especially not plumerias at all. They were my best critics and told me what they didn't understand at the time.

I took their criticisms to heart and went back and made the needed changes in the book until everybody agreed that they're able to follow the book, including all the instructions.

Seedling

After editing the book I thanked everyone for their input. I felt very confident if all these
folks were able to understand the easy to follow step-by-step guidelines on how to grow plumerias, then gardeners worldwide would understand them as well.

It's hard to explain in words what I felt after publishing the book. There was and is the feeling of utmost gratitude for having been able to put my experience with plumeria plants into words and be able to share all this information with plumeria plant lovers all around the world. 

There also was and is the feeling of joy knowing that gardeners worldwide can be successful now in growing these wonderful tropical plants and that they would not have to take "NO" for an answer. 

Finally, I published the plumeria book. Since its publication at the end of 2010 gardeners from Australia to Alaska and Canada, India to Italy, Malaysia to Malta, New Zealand to the Netherlands, Portugal to Poland, and here in the United States from California to Connecticut and Washington to Florida are following its step-by-step guidelines. 

Pauahi Alii

I also made it my goal to answer each email pertaining to growing plumeria plants. 

It is an utmost joy for me to receive emails like the following.....

'Bob,
I just looked through my recently purchased copy of your plumeria book. It appears to be the best book I have ever seen on plumerias, covering far more information and providing in-depth details and explanations throughout the entire book.

Christy....................Texas'

'Bob,
I have been growing plumerias in Central Connecticut (zone 6) for 20 years. I have rooted scores of cuttings. Recently, though, I lost 2 of the 4 Scott Pratt, and the remaining two hadn't done anything for two months. I then tried the egg method >>> big fat white roots in what seemed like no time! Thanks for spreading the knowledge of the egg method around.

James........................Connecticut (zone 6)'

How To Grow Plumeria - Frangipani Anytime Anywhere! takes the reader by the hand and guides him or her from the arrival of their plumeria cuttings, plants or seeds to the excitement and joy of their first flowers. 

 

Mimi's Home Pride

It doesn't stop here but the book guides gardeners thru the aftercare of their beloved plumeria plants including, insect and disease control, guidelines for growing and flowering plumeria plants indoors and much more.

With Memorial Day Weekend coming up I have decided to offer FREE Shipping and Handling for anyone who orders my  'How To Grow Plumeria - Frangipani Anytime Anywhere!' paperback book. 

Memorial Day not only marks the beginning of summer for many people, but it is
the official beginning of the gardening season. This paperback version of 
'How To Grow Plumeria - Frangipani Anytime Anywhere!' is a great resource book
for gardeners to have in their gardening library.  It makes a great gift for yourself
or any gardener, but especially if your passion is plumerias.

Please visit Plumeria Plant Care for more information. 

Happy Growing,

Bob Walsh
www.HowToGrowPlumeriaFrangipani.com

Dwarf Plumeria Plants Versus Compact Plumeria Plants

Plumeria growers worldwide, especially in temperate climates, are looking for dwarf and compact varieties to grow in pots. This allows for easy handling of the plants when cooler weather arrives and the plants need to be brought indoors.

What exactly would be considered a dwarf plumeria plant? This question might be answered by plumeria growers in different ways.

Some consider plumeria plants to be dwarfs as long as they don't exceed a height of eight feet which might be considered tall but definitely not dwarf by others.

In recent years many dwarf plumeria plants have been introduced to the public with Plumeria rubra 'Devine' and Plumeria rubra 'Mini White' being labeled true miniatures. These two miniatures are very floriferous with flowering occuring at sometimes one inch or less from the last flowering point on the plant. Generally, there are more than forty growing tips, branches, on one average two foot tall 'Divine' plant.

Plumeria obtusa 'Dwarf Singapore Pink' is considered a true dwarf plant which, even under ideal conditions, rarely grows more than six to eight inches per year. 'Dwarf Singapore Pink' develops several branches after each inflorescence starts to develop. The leaves of “Dwarf Singapore Pink' are oblong and have a shiny green color. The white flowers with a yellow center have a sweet fragrance. With proper growing conditions, 'Dwarf Singapore Pink' grows and flowers throughout the year.

Plumeria obtusa 'Dwarf Singapore Pink'

Plumeria obtusa 'Dwarf Singapore' has white, cup-shaped flowers with a lemony fragrance. It grows and flowers, like 'Dwarf Singapore Pink', throughout the year if provided with the right growing conditions.

Plumeria obtusa 'Dwarf Deciduous', an easy to grow plumeria, produces white flowers with a golden center. The fragrance of the flowers is strong and reminds one of citrus. Plumeria obtusa 'Dwarf Deciduous' is a very floriferous plant with many flowers opening at the same time resulting in full inflorescences, flower stalks.

Plumeria 'Dwarf Richard Criley', an evergreen variety, produces flowers which are similar in shape to 'Dwarf Singapore Pink', but larger in diameter. 'Dwarf Richard Criley' produces rainbow colored flowers with an orange center that bleeds into the petals. The flowers have a light spicy fragrance.

Plumeria 'Dwarf Siam Yellow' has uniquely crinckled glossy leaves. The flowers are yellow with a sweet fragrance. 'Dwarf Siam Yellow' is a slow grower.

These are some plumeria plants which are considered “dwarfs”. Select hand pollination results in new releases of dwarf varieties each year.

Compact plants are not necessarily classified as dwarf plants.

But what entitles plumeria plants to be classified as compact plants?

Plumeria can be considered compact when they bloom and branch at short distances resulting in a many branched tree.

Plumeria 'Pink Pansy' has white pansy shaped flowers with a golden yellow center and marked pink edging. The fragrance of these flowers is very sweet. 'Pink Pansy' is a very compact grower and great candidate for container gardening as it can be kept on the small side, four to six feet, with proper pruning.

Plumeria 'Penang Peach', named after the Malaysian island of Penang, is another compact growing variety. The flowers of 'Penang Peach' are yellow to orange, have a very sweet fragrance and excellent keeping quality. One distinct characteristic of 'Penang Peach' is that the leaves show a hook at the tip.

Plumeria 'Yellow Jack Compact' produces three to four inch yellow flowers with small white edging. The petals reflex, bend backwards, creating a lovely effect. The fragrance is very sweet. 'Yellow Jack Compact' is a very compact growing tree.

As time goes on more and more dwarf and compact plumeria varieties with outstanding characteristics, like big colorful flowers with good keeping quality, will be developed to bring joy to both indoor and outdoor gardeners.

Copyright © Bob Walsh

www.BobWalshPlumeriaCare101.com 
www.BobWalshFrangipaniPlumeriaPflege.com