The Handbook on Plumeria Culture [Paperback]

Richard Eggenberger (Author), Mary Helen Eggenberger (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0964322404 | ISBN-13: 978-0964322400 | Publication Date: July 2000 | Edition: 4th

The definitive book on growing and flowering plumerias (Frangipani or Hawaiian Lei Flower) in all areas of the U.S. Special attention is given to every aspect of culture including soil, water and fertilizer requirements, growing plants in containers, overwintering and much, much more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A beautiful book, . . . contains such a wealth of information it has everything -- Department of Education, State of Hawaii

The Handbook on Plumeria Culture reprsent years of touring tropical gardens worldwide, working as design consultatnts and growing the fragrant tropical. -- Pacific Coast Nurseryman

a unique writing style that blends the spiritual and poetic with down-to-earth practical advice a pleasure-to-read package. the photographs are beautiful. -- Kathleen Van Horn - noted book reviewer

From the Publisher

The fourth edition of The Handbook on Plumeria Culture is just off the press and is lavishly illustrated with 125 breathtaking color photographs including many of the latest and most magnificent hybrids available. The text is easy to follow with special attention given to beginners as well as advanced advice for the expert gardener.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 115 pages
• Publisher: Tropical Plant Specialists; 4th edition (July 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964322404
• ISBN-13: 978-0964322400
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #785,242 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is THE book for growing Plumerias! Very thorough!, October 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Handbook on Plumeria Culture (Paperback)

This book is THE handbook for anyone interested in growing plumerias. It gives all the info you'll need to be a "plumeria farmer." Whether you have one tree or 200, you'll find all necessary info about the following topics (and many more): classification and naming of cultivars, historical data, plant types and descriptions, propagation of seeds, cuttings, grafting, soil mixes, planting and transplanting, sun requirements, watering, fertilizing, mulching, pruning, hybridizing, pests and diseases, problems and solutions, dormancy, cold tolerance, winter storage, growing plumerias indoors, landscaping, ETC. You can grow plumerias in any climate if you know how. This book makes it easy. It includes MANY color photographs, and the entire book is on glossy paper. The Eggenbergers are experts in plumeria culture, and their knowledge is poured into this book. Despite the plug for their Indian religion in the introduction, it is a VERY valuable book. It's paperback, and has 107 pages, but contains all you need to know about plumerias.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Far and away the most comprehensive book on plumerias, January 16, 2003

By 

James Nicholas (Rocky Hill, CT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Handbook on Plumeria Culture (Paperback)

This is the bible on plumeria cultivation; there is no other work on the subject that even approaches its scope, thorough attention to detail, and even visual beauty. For twelve years it has been the source to which I have turned repeatedly for inspiration as I amassed my collection in New England; I have also referred scores of people to it for advice and given it as a gift several times. It's hard to imagine a more comprehensive treatment of the subject, from the overview of its history in cultivation, to the listings and descriptions of dozens of cultivars, to the step-by-step course in cultivating, propagating, and hybridizing plumerias. No detail is overlooked, and invaluable tips concerning every aspect of plumeria growing are given throughout. Along the way, the text is enlivened by views and comments on the plant through the eyes of mystics and poets both Eastern and Western. The abundant photographs by the authors are works of art in themselves. For any admirer of this extraordinary flower, this book is essential; by far the best and most beautiful work available on the subject.

For those having trouble locating a copy: see also plumeriasandoleanders.com, botanictreasures.com, and stokestropicals.com

(Addressing the issue of storage brought up by another reviewer: The method does indeed work, but I would perhaps not use it on first-year plants. It is important that a first-year cutting be kept growing as long as possible so that it can develop a very strong root system. After the first year, I prefer continuing to store the plants in their pots, watering very sparingly or not at all during the winter. The problem of stem rot is usually due to a soil mix which is too moisture-retentive. There is virtually no risk of stem rot if the following soil mix is used: 8 parts (by volume) soilless potting mix, 1 part coarse sand, and 1 part perlite. I have not lost one in ten years since I began using this formula).

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you need to know., February 22, 2001

By 

Soggyinseattle (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Handbook on Plumeria Culture (Paperback)

This is a very informative, thoroughly researched book; from history to propagation, it has it all. The amateur will especially appreciate the succinct information to be found within its pages, without being too technical. If you've bought those plumeria cuttings at various fairs and garden shows, as I have, this is the book you need to really get those cuttings to produce healthy, blooming plants. The numerous colored photos throughout are a definite plus.