Hilo Beauty Plumeria

Plumeria 'Hilo Beauty'

Plumeria 'Hilo Beauty' (PSA Reg #132), also known as Dakota's Curling Red, Burgundy Special, Black Red, Aussie Black Red, Red Esther, Hi-Lo Beauty, and possibly Black Garnet, is a stunning variety celebrated for its velvety red blooms, spicy fragrance, and long-lasting flowers. Its rich color and robust performance make it a prized addition to any Plumeria collection.

The flowers of 'Hilo Beauty' measure approximately 3 inches and feature a deep, glossy maroon-red hue with a strong red center. The petals are wide, elliptical, and slightly overlapping, with rounded tips that add softness to the bloom's bold appearance. Moderate reddish-brown bands adorn both the front and back of the petals, enhancing their depth and visual appeal. Known for its excellent keeping quality, the blooms have a slight tendency to fade and develop an extra spicy fragrance that becomes stronger with time.

This variety grows as a tall, upright tree with tight branching and reddish-green leaves. While it is a great bloomer, producing abundant flowers throughout the season, it is known to be challenging to root from cuttings. It requires careful handling, as it has a tendency to die back to the main branch when trimmed.

In summary, Plumeria 'Hilo Beauty' is a vibrant and fragrant variety with velvety red blooms, a spicy scent, and an upright growth habit. Its rich color, durability, and historical significance make it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts.

Color: Velvety red with a strong red center and reddish-brown bands
Flower Size: 3 inches
Blooming: Great bloomer with long-lasting flowers
Growth: Tall, upright, with tight branching
Scent: Spicy, intensifies over time
AKAs: Dakota's Curling Red, Burgundy Special, Black Red, Aussie Black Red, Red Esther, Hi-Lo Beauty, possibly Black Garnet
Notes: Difficult to root; dies back to the main branch when trimmed; exceptional keeping quality