Customer Reviews

The Handbook on Plumeria Culture

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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).

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.

Excellent photos, very thorough. Only book entirely dedicated to growing plumerias. For the first time grower and the expert. I refer to it in a class I teach where I live. While it emphasizes the positive aspects of growing the plumerias such as thier unmatched beauty and fragrance, I feel it does not talk enough to the problems that many first time growers encounter-problems which are more likely the further you are away from the plumerias natural habtiat. I am referring to getting them to bloom and tip/stem rot problems. Also, I almost lost my entire collection by storing my plumerias in the basement for the winter as the author recommends. DO NOT DO THIS. Especially if you live north of Texas where winters are longer and/or have a humid basement. I have heard of people losing their entire collections due to stem rot-I almost did. Otherwise I can say I refer to it often and find it invaluable. Also, I have heard the author is hard to reach and and has moved on to other things (he sold the Plumeria People about five years ago.)

Based on the glowing reviews here I ordered this book as well as Jim Little's "Growing Plumerias in Hawai'i and Around the World". I was disappointed with the Eggenberger "Handbook". This may be because Little's book is absolutely outstanding and in a different class by itself. While both books are printed on good quality glossy paper and have color images, there are critical differences.

Undoubtedly the Eggenbergers are highly knowledgeable and passionate about plumerias. The main reasons the Eggenberger book falls short is that the information is not very comprehensive (compared to the Little book), in addition to being badly organized and presented. Diagrams and images of the flowers are usually not near the written information about them. It is difficult to find needed information handily.

Names of books and magazines have been underlined (distracting), and the book has an overall bad layout. Some of the information seems to be very misleading as one reviewer has already pointed out--almost leading to a loss of their plumeria collection. The section on grafting plumerias also seems to be at odds with other expert opinion.

The clear lack of professional editing of their book is a contributer to the overall unsatisfactory reading experience. All in all, not a very reader-friendly experience.

If you need just one book on plumerias, the Jim Little book wins hands down on all counts.

Just about the only coprehensive book on this genus of tropical trees. As a frangipani/plumeria collector and grower it has been indispensable. It started me off (great for beginners ) and is still muy bible. It would be wonderful if a publisher would have the Eggenbergers write a coffee table styled book on their subject.

...see also plumeriasandoleanders.com, botanictreasures.com, and stokestropicals.com

I bought this book thinking it would help me out with my plumerias I bought. I have since killed 4 of them. I wish it would have been a bit more geared to a northwestern person with a passion for plants but with easier instructions on caring for plumerias and what to do if problems arise. I enjoyed the pictures and used some of the information in the book but still failed in growing blooming flowers.