How to Prune Frangipani

Frangipanis don’t need heavy pruning to stay healthy, but a light trim helps shape the tree, remove damaged branches, and encourage better flowering. The best time to prune frangipani in Australia is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. Always prune sparingly and avoid cutting too much at once, as frangipanis store energy in their branches.

1. Why and When to Prune Frangipani

Pruning frangipanis serves several purposes:

Shape: Light trimming helps maintain an even canopy and prevents branches from crossing.
Health: Removing dead or damaged wood reduces the risk of pests and diseases.
Flowering: Pruning can stimulate new shoots, which later produce flower clusters.

The ideal pruning window is late August to early September, when the tree is dormant and leafless. Pruning during active growth may cause excessive sap loss and slow recovery.

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2. Step-by-Step Pruning Guide

Follow these steps to prune your frangipani safely and effectively:

Choose the right tools: Use clean, sharp secateurs or a pruning saw for thicker branches.
Plan your cuts: Focus on removing dead wood, crossing branches, or stems that disrupt the tree’s shape.
Cut at an angle: Make cuts just above a node or junction, slanting slightly to prevent water sitting on the wound.
Limit the pruning: Don’t remove more than one-third of the canopy in a single season, as frangipanis rely on stored energy in their branches.
Handle sap safely: The white latex sap is sticky and mildly toxic — wear gloves and avoid skin contact.
Use cuttings wisely: Healthy pruned branches can be replanted as cuttings to grow new frangipani trees.

After pruning, allow wounds to seal naturally. Frangipanis generally heal well without sealing paste.

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3. FAQs About Pruning Frangipani

Q: Can I prune a frangipani in summer? Light trimming is possible, but it’s best avoided. Major pruning should always be done in late winter or early spring before growth begins.
Q: Will pruning help my frangipani flower more? Yes, pruning encourages new shoots, which are where flowers form. However, over-pruning can reduce flowers in the following season.
Q: Can I plant the branches I cut off? Absolutely. Frangipani cuttings root easily when dried for a week and planted in free-draining soil.
Q: How do I care for a frangipani after pruning? Support recovery with regular watering during growth and feed every 4–6 weeks with Complete Grow’s All Purpose NPK 20-20-20 to promote strong regrowth and flowering.

Final Recommendation: For healthy regrowth and abundant blooms after pruning, feed frangipanis with Complete Grow’s NPK 20-20-20. It restores nutrients lost during cutting and encourages new shoots and flowers.