My apologies for the "last minute" nature of this week’s email tip. My first intent is to get you to the Plumeria Society’s final show and sale of the year. However, being that many of you will see this tip sheet several days after it was mailed, it will likely be too late. So, with that said, there’s also some critical care information provided by the plumeria experts to give you some basic care practices at this time of the year.

PSA Show and Sale on Saturday Aug 2
Hours are 9:30-3:00
Leonard Merrell Center
6301 S. Stadium Lane
Katy, TX 77494

If you think you need even more information, please don’t hesitate to visit the Plumeria Society website at:
www.theplumeriasociety.org

But, even if you don’t go to the show and sale, and especially if you are interested in growing and caring for Plumerias in the Houston/Galveston area, here are some great tips and advice from the Plumeria Society as well.

Plumerias grow very quickly in the summer and we are very blessed with lush foliage and lots of colorful blooms. However, we are dealing with increased humidity and heavy leaves when it rains. The extra blooms and lots of knocked off flowers from heavy rainstorms can be made into leis or floated in shallow dishes in your homes.

Hurricane Tips:
When a hurricane threatens, the best thing to do is to lay your plumerias down on the ground. If they are planted in the ground you can strip the leaves off to reduce the wind resistance. As soon as the heavy winds pass, stand your plants back up again so the bark will not burn. The leaf canopy normally provides a natural shade for the bark.

Heat Stress Tips:
Leaf sunburn is another problem in the hottest part of the summer. Apply a small handful of Epsom salts to the pot and water in well.

Late Summer Fertilization:
Keep up your fertilizing through September, but do not encourage new growth and blooms after that since plumerias will go dormant. We want to slow down growth and watering in the fall. Plumerias should be stored in a dry and dormant state. If you put them away wet, they will rot in your cool garage.

Summertime Tips to Combat Rust:
Rust does not harm plumerias, but just defoliates the plants more quickly than normal and is ugly. It will spread quickly if not controlled. Some plumerias are rust resistant. (San Germaine, and Pudica)

Keep leaf debris out of your pots. Pick off old leaves. It is normal that you have yellowing of the older leaves when you have a growth spurt at the growth tips. Put some granular Green Light Fungaway into each pot, which contains Bayleton to prevent rust. If you see rust, carefully remove the rust laden leaves without allowing the wind to blow it onto other leaf surfaces. Bag the leaf debris and discard. Fungaway will prevent rust. However, if you already have rust, you must physically remove the leaves.

One thing that will improve your chances against rust is better air circulation between the leaves. If your plumeria pots are placed too closely together, space them further apart. Trim out overlapping leaves to improve air circulation. Leave one inch nubs on the leaves to prevent moisture loss in the plant. New leaves will grow back in no time.

Year-Round Care:
Please visit the Plumeria Society of America’s Website located at www.theplumeriasociety.org for complete care guides and information for all you plumeria needs.

GardenLine Listeners and E-mail Tip Subscribers can purchase a copy of my new book at discounted price!
Gulf Coast Gardening with Randy Lemmon
Check it out!
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