Will plumeria grow in Pahoa????

[Lawrencej013]

When we first came to Hawaii (Kona side) I fell in love with the plumeria trees that seemed to be growing all over the place there. Since then we have purchased a property in the puna area and will be moving next month. I have not seen any plumeria growing on this side of the island. Is it even possible to grow in that climate? We are about 200ft above sea level. Our soil level will probably not be that thick once we start planting things.

[kalianna]

Well, yes and no. We are also at 200ʻ. The plants will grow but they are deciduous. They are bare for half the year, then they put out new leaves and will bloom for a bit, then go dormant again. They also have a tendency to be lanky, not like the big bushy trees on the Kona side. They seem to like it drier so if you do plants them, donʻt put them at a wet place in your yard.
Be consoled by the fact that thereʻs many other wonderful plants to grow. Check out vireyas. And gardenias do great if you want the sweet fragrance.

[Ccat]

If you want to see a few mature plumeria in Keaau, go to the animal shelter compound.  For some reason, it is always hotter in that location and so the plumerias do OK.  But not quite as nice as on the Kona side.

Ccat

[Chas]

I share your love of Plumeria. There were about 6 of them in pots on our lot in lower HPP when we bought it. They never bloomed but were alive and somewhat healthy. After about 3 years I decided to plant them in the ground since they seemed big for the pots. They died a couple of months later...

I really have no idea but I surmised that when they were in the pots the roots stayed dryer.

[1voyager1]

They grow beautifully on the Kona side, covered with leaves and flowers (almost,,,?) all year.
Evert time I see them there, they're all leafed out.
Our side is too wet.
Probably lacks sunshine and heat as a result.