Q&A: Plumeria

A: Maybe, especially since El Nino is creating topsy-turvy weather patterns throughout the country. Plumerias are hardy to around 35 degrees or so, although mine, which are forced to grow in a pot and overwinter indoors, suffer some leaf damage when the temperature drops below 40 degrees.

Assuming your plumeria is planted in the ground, and assuming it is under five or six feet tall, you can protect it from cold snaps by covering it with a blanket supported by a few sticks or bamboo stakes. If it is a full-sized specimen, wrap the blanket around the plant and loosely tie the blanket with twine.