Specific vs General reasons
While the general idea of getting a dwarf frangipani can be exciting and emotionally satisfying, dwarf frangipanis vary greatly from species to species. For long term satisfaction, consider the specific features of each variety.
Imagine you are looking for a pair of shoes and after seeing the first pair of shoes, whether a pair of stilettos or hiking boots, you are happy to buy the shoes without thinking about their function or even the shoe size.
7 Specific Reasons to Get a Dwarf Frangipani
1. I like the bonsai-like shape of the petite pink.
2. I like the vigorous growth and scented flowers of the pink pudica.
3. I like the long-lasting abundant flowering of the Everlasting Love pudica.
4. I like the shape of the shrub-like tree of the cuba.
5. I like the fragrant and dense bouquet flowering habit of the Cherry Clusters.
6. I like the scented, musk coloured (a touch of blue to wash through the pink) George Brown flowers.
7. I like the unique shape of the stenophylla, include the petite white flower.
4 General Reasons to Get a Dwarf Frangipani
1. I want to grow a frangipani in a pot for 10 years and beyond. Potted frangipanis can be moved around which has numerous advantages.
2. I want a frangipani that will be less than four metres high in fifty years.
3. I want a frangipani that will be less than six metres high in a hundred years. Seriously.
4. I have identified one dwarf frangipani variety that suits my taste and garden style.
Reasons to get a regular frangipani instead of a dwarf.
1. Some dwarf frangipanis are more delicate (eg. stenophylla).
2. Some dwarf frangipanis are more prone to rust (eg. petite pink).
3. Some dwarf frangipanis are more expensive (eg. petite pink)
But if you think about the age of the plant instead of the size, it might be good value.
A bit like judging Peter Dinklage on his acting experience instead of his height or intelligence. *
4. Some dwarf frangipanis are rarely available and never available in mature specimens (eg. caracasana)
5. Some dwarf frangipanis have flowers that have only a very mild or no scent (eg. pudica)
6. Some dwarf frangipanis require pruning every two or three years to optimize shape and growth (eg. pudica)
Of course there are the obvious reasons too.
7. Low maximum height. Insufficient shade.
8. Slow growing. And gets trampled on by kids and dogs.
9. One more. All frangipanis can be reduced in size by pruning. When the size is reduced by half or more, we call it “cropping”. After cropping, new branches will grow from each branch stump. The frangipani is likely to look unbalanced and will produce less flowers, especially in the following twelve months. For this reason, it’s best to crop a frangipani properly and wait for as many years as possible before the next cropping. Frangipani trees usually look much bushier, healthier and more attractive 2-3 years after cropping. Thanks to being able to prune or crop your frangipani, you can forget about dwarf frangipanis and choose a hardy regular variety with a scented flower and keep it to your desired size.
PS. Peter Dinklage, a dwarf and a successful actor, in 2024, complained about the consequences of using real dwarves in the Hollywood remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. This resulted in Hollywood using animated characters and denied seven less wealthy and less experienced dwarf actors from a great acting opportunity.