Frangipani trees (Plumeria) are those trees with white, pink, yellow or red flowers that perfume the gardens and streets of southern Tenerife. Very present in Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje and in hotels and villas, they are part of the daily landscape as soon as the climate becomes hot and dry.
Each flower has five thick, waxy petals with an often colorful center. Their sweet and gentle fragrance is particularly strong in the evening and early morning. Contrary to what many think, these are not plants of local origin: they come from Central America and were introduced to the Canaries in the 19th century. Today, they thrive perfectly thanks to the subtropical climate of the south of the island. In full bloom (mainly from May to October), they add a colorful and fragrant touch to your walks.
- Scientific name: Plumeria (several species including Plumeria rubra and Plumeria obtusa).
- Height: between 3 and 6 meters on the island, depending on age and maintenance.
- Flowering: mainly from May to October, lighter the rest of the year.
- Fragrance: very pronounced, especially in late afternoon and evening.
- Resilience: tolerates drought well but fears cold (temperatures below 10°C).
- Local use: flowers often used to make necklaces (lei) or in hotel decoration.
- Toxicity: the white sap that comes out of the branches is irritating to the skin and toxic if ingested.
- Best time: June to September to see the maximum number of flowers open.
- Where to see them in quantity: gardens of the Jardin Tropical hotel (Costa Adeje), Siam Park, or a walk through the residential areas of Fanabe and San Eugenio.
- How to get there: rental car recommended. From the south, everything is accessible in 5 to 20 minutes.
- With whom: ideal for families or couples. Children love picking up flowers fallen on the ground (without picking them from the tree).
- Photo tip: morning or late afternoon light for beautiful colors without too much contrast.
Can you pick frangipani flowers in Tenerife?
It is strongly discouraged to pick flowers directly from trees, especially in public spaces or hotel gardens. Many plants are carefully maintained by owners or municipalities. On the other hand, you can freely pick up flowers that have already fallen to the ground. They keep for 1 to 2 days in a little water. If you want to bring back souvenirs, it's better to buy ready-made necklaces or cosmetic products based on frangipani in local shops.
Do frangipani trees grow everywhere on the island?
No. They are much more numerous and in better health in southern Tenerife (arid and hot zone) than in the north, which is cooler and more humid. You will see very few around Puerto de la Cruz or Santa Cruz. In the south, they thrive thanks to abundant sunshine and mild temperatures year-round. If you are staying in the north, you will need to head south to fully enjoy these trees and their characteristic fragrance.
- Siam Park: large water park where many frangipani trees are planted.
- Fanabe Beach or Playa de las Américas: seaside promenade bordered by flower gardens.
- Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava (north): to discover other tropical plants in a historic botanical setting.