Propagating Plants: Book
Review
How to
Grow Plumeria – Frangipani Anytime Anywhere.
an
electronic book by Bob Walsh
How to Grow Plumeria –
Frangipani Anytime Anywhere by Bob Walsh is a part of
the new trend of self publishing books in electronic
form. While many such 'books' are more pamphlets,
containing little information How To Grow Plumeria is
not only of book length but contains quite a bit of
useful information.
In the introduction we learn
that the author fascinated with plumerias decided to
learn how to grow them in zone 5, which is quite
temperate containing cities such as Chicago and not
considered as a Plumeria growing region. In most cases
Plumeria are found only in the tropic and subtropic
zones yet he manages to grow them. The information and
lessons of his experience will help those wanting to
grow, or just know more about these beautiful trees
whatever their growth zone.
A history section gives a
number of interesting facts on Plumeria and its various
introductions to the USA and development mostly in
Hawai'i. There is also information on common names,
ethnic uses and studies on the plants. Walsh's
description of the plant should satisfy both beginner
and advanced growers and includes some technical data as
to species and the Apocynaceae and Asclepiadaceae
families in general. (Current Taxonomy has Apocynaceae
combined with Asclepiadaceae, time will tell if this
stands).
He lists a number of
cultivars, arranged by color but many lack an image and
explanation of what makes them a worthy cultivar this is
a failing but these are facts any reader can easily find
through the Internet and other collectors. There are
quite a few of good photographs throughout the book.
His chapters on buying and
planting cuttings is very informative with good
directions on the subjects. Plumerias are difficult for
some due to the characteristics of their tissues and a
good reading of the information provided should save
quite a few cuttings from failure. There is also
information and a recount of the authors experience with
'Egg Rooting' which is an interesting topic in itself.
His results using this method appear quite positive.
There is also good advice
for aftercare for newly rooted plants and care for areas
which are cold or lack sufficient light in winter. Very
good explanations are given for the various types of
lighting available to supplement the plants. The book
also looks at the other ingredients necessary to grow
plants with success: humidity/water and air flow.
Special attention is given to pot choices as well.
Once you have successfully
rooted cuttings it is necessary to pot them into growing
containers and there are detailed instructions that a
grower of any level should find easy to follow. While
the instructions and details may vary a bit for those
used to simply sticking a cutting into the ground and
watching it grow (Florida, Hawai'i) they are detailed
and will greatly assist those growing in containers in
less than optimum locations. Attention is also given to
care of established plants, both indoors and out as well
as fertilizer and pruning (both foliage and root).
There are special chapters
for growing from seeds, layers and grafted plants.
All plants can suffer from
pests and diseases, plants grown out of their normal
climate are ever more susceptible. The author gives good
advice for pests and diseases when growing plumerias.
His suggestions are mostly organic which suits plants
grown indoors much of the year.
The book ends with
information on companion planting, uses of the flowers
and even recipes. There is a good glossary for those
that discover an unfamiliar term and a list of suppliers
and references to follow up with. I found both the
flower index and general index useful and well planned.
The book ends with several bonus forms that, if used
will help keep information about your own plants in good
order.
This is a good book if you
want to grow, or even learn more about Plumerias, it may
also be useful to those growing some Plumeria relatives.
It does seem somewhat over priced for an electronic
format book listing on Amazon at over $40 and on the
author's site at $37 which keeps us from highly
recommending it.
Amazon is also offering a
print on demand paper bound copy which we have not seen
but which sounds good.
Overall Recommendation 4/5 
How To Grow Plumeria
Frangipani Anytime Anywhere Copyright Bob Walsh 2010 an
electronic publication in PDF, 157 pages, color
photographs throughout. $ 37.00 from:
http://www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com/
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