tropical troubles

I have a frangipani which I grew from seed about 4 years ago how do I prune it. It is about two feet high and just has leaves on the top of it.

 

I wouldn't prune it.

I've grown some from seed also, and the last one reached about 5ft high.

I cut it down eventually as it was getting too big, I used the top shoot as a cutting, which very quickly grew flower buds, but aborted them, presumably because I cut it off.

They are big plants and they do get bare at the base, its the nature of the plant I think.

 

I agree with Pete, I have never pruned a Frangipani, a warm greenhouse or conservatory is really the only place to grow them here and need space to grow as they will naturally branch.

 

Frangipani is actually a tree so will have a trunk and branches. You can certainly prune it in hot countries as much as you like but be very careful you don't get the milky sap on your clothes as nothing will get the stain out. If you do prune leave the cut pieces for a few days to dry out before trying to make cuttings and builders sand is excellent for that. At 2ft the tree is only just getting started!

 

Mombasagardener, I was just thinking of Mombasa when I started to read this thread. I'd love ot have a go at growing a frangipani from seed so will have to see if some seeds jump into my case when I am next on my travels.

In Msa, we used to get the pale cream one, the very dark pink/red ons and they all smelt heavenly. I was in Seychelles in February and the frangipani was stunning out there too. I wanted to bring that heavenly scent back with me.