Native Frangipani Plant Care

Native Frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum) belongs to the Pittosporaceae family within the Hymenosporum genus. Native Frangipani is native to the rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests of New Guinea, Queensland and New South Wales. Native Frangipani is also known as Australian Frangipani, Sweet Shade.

Native Frangipani displays a medium-sized evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Native Frangipani produces fragrant cream-colored flowers with yellow centers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Native Frangipani every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Native Frangipani thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Hymenosporum flavum tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Native Frangipani prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Native Frangipani to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Native Frangipani every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Native Frangipani is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Native Frangipani can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Native Frangipani while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Native Frangipani is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Native Frangipani can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Native Frangipani is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Native Frangipani grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Native Frangipani is native to the rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests of New Guinea, Queensland and New South Wales. In cooler regions, grow Native Frangipani as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.