INFLOS
A plumeria inflorescence ('inflo' for short) is the flower cluster. We usually envision a dome of blooms, but inflos can bloom several shapes and densities. On most trees, inflos grow on previous year's branches - occasionally inflos grow on the current year's new branches - more on this topic in another blog.
In this blog, we'll look at two types of inflos: Domed and Pendulous.
The shape and density of the inflo, and the frequency of blooms is determined by the tree's genetics. Keep in mind that a stronger, healthier root system produces more inflos and larger flowers.
Some varieties, such as this NOID called Apricot, produce very large inflos, making a spectacular display. Some inflos are so dense the flowers are very crowded and don't open all the way.
Apricot's inflos are classic dome-shape, and flowers are produced parallel to each other. This bottom view of an Apricot inflo, on right, shows how densely packed the flowers are, and that the blooms are produced side by side.
Pendulous inflos create long streamers that capped by flowers on the tips. Instead of the flowers blooming side by side, they bloom one after another on the same stem.
This type of inflo needs a long growing season to produce this unusual ribbon effect, shown here in September, and the tree must start blooming very early in the season. Otherwise, a pendulous inflo look like regular inflo most of the season.
Tall inflo stems display the flowers high above the leaves.
Even though Gardena's flowers are not particularly large (2 1/2"), the sheer quantity of blooms makes a beautiful effect and the fragrance is wonderful.
More open inflos are caused by longer, spread out flower stems as shown on Angus Gold.
Bright colors make widely spaced inflos like Nassau very beautiful, shown on the left in extreme heat.
Grafts bloom as if they were still attached to the donor tree. They use the host tree's well-developed root system as a source of water and nutrients. This 8" scion, called Jenny, was grafted the prior year and produced this huge inflo.
Don't remove old inflos!
They can also turn into a branch, as seen on the left.
It may produce a seed pod, or even rebloom the next season. When the tree is done with the inflo, it will fall off on its own.
Occasionally, the inflo will start to rot before it falls and you'll need to cut and disinfect the area.
A plumeria inflorescence ('inflo' for short) is the flower cluster. We usually envision a dome of blooms, but inflos can bloom several shapes and densities. On most trees, inflos grow on previous year's branches - occasionally inflos grow on the current year's new branches - more on this topic in another blog.
In this blog, we'll look at two types of inflos: Domed and Pendulous.
The shape and density of the inflo, and the frequency of blooms is determined by the tree's genetics. Keep in mind that a stronger, healthier root system produces more inflos and larger flowers.
 |
| Apricot's domed, dense inflo |
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| Apricot's domed, dense inflo |
Apricot's inflos are classic dome-shape, and flowers are produced parallel to each other. This bottom view of an Apricot inflo, on right, shows how densely packed the flowers are, and that the blooms are produced side by side.
Pendulous inflos create long streamers that capped by flowers on the tips. Instead of the flowers blooming side by side, they bloom one after another on the same stem.
 |
| Sunstar's pendulous inflo |
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| My Valentine's pendulous inflo |
This type of inflo needs a long growing season to produce this unusual ribbon effect, shown here in September, and the tree must start blooming very early in the season. Otherwise, a pendulous inflo look like regular inflo most of the season.
 |
| Gardena's tall inflos |
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| Gardena's tall inflos |
Even though Gardena's flowers are not particularly large (2 1/2"), the sheer quantity of blooms makes a beautiful effect and the fragrance is wonderful.
 |
| Angus Gold's open inflos |
 |
| Angus Gold's open inflos |
Bright colors make widely spaced inflos like Nassau very beautiful, shown on the left in extreme heat.
 |
| Jenny grafted inflo |
Grafts bloom as if they were still attached to the donor tree. They use the host tree's well-developed root system as a source of water and nutrients. This 8" scion, called Jenny, was grafted the prior year and produced this huge inflo.
They can also turn into a branch, as seen on the left.
It may produce a seed pod, or even rebloom the next season. When the tree is done with the inflo, it will fall off on its own.
Occasionally, the inflo will start to rot before it falls and you'll need to cut and disinfect the area.
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