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Plumerias are tropical trees famous for their gorgeous flowers which are used to make leis (floral garlands). In regions with cold winters, plumerias can be grown in containers and brought indoors when the weather cools in autumn. Other common names are frangipani and Hawaiian lei flower.

Head leis are ideal for wedding ceremonies, luau parties, and other festive occasions. If a neck lei or head lei seems too over-the-top for you, why not consider a tasteful flower bracelet or corsage? This discreet style is the perfect way to ease into the Aloha spirit. Final Thoughts on Hawaiian Leis. Find the perfect Hawaiian Lei stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Select from premium Hawaiian Lei of the highest quality.

About plumerias
Plumerias have thick stems, leathery leaves, and an abundance of flowers from early summer until fall. In the tropics some varieties can grow to a height of over 30 feet. Shorter varieties can be planted and pruned into a large hedge. Plumeria's waxy, 2- to 4-inch flowers are very fragrant, so plant trees close to windows or patios to enjoy the enticing fragrance. Flower colors include pink, red, white, and yellow. Plumerias are often planted in containers and make excellent cut flowers.

Special features of plumerias
Fragrant
Good for cut flowers

Leis are an everyday accessory to give and wear in Hawaii instead of reserving them for special occasions. Allow the giver to 'lei' you, instead of putting it on yourself. Have caution while wearing backpacks, camera straps, or anything that may damage the flowers or petals. It is out of respect not to remove leis in the presence of the giver.

Choosing a site to grow plumerias
Select a site with full sun to light shade and well-drained soil.

Planting Instructions
Plant in spring. Space plants 10 to 20 feet apart, depending on the expected mature size of the plant. Dig a hole only as deep as the root ball and 2 to 3 times as wide. If your soil is in very poor condition, amend the soil you've removed from the hole with a small amount of compost. Otherwise don't amend it at all. Carefully remove the plant from the container and set it in the hole. Fill the hole half full with soil, then water it well to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Let the water drain, then fill the remainder of hole with soil and water thoroughly.

Ongoing Care
Plumerias require at least 1 inch of rain (or equivalent watering) each week. More water may be required for plumerias growing in containers, but don't overwater or the trunks will rot. Feed plants twice a month during the growing season with a high phosphorous fertilizer. Plumerias normally require little pruning, but any shaping should be done in spring. Plumerias are sensitive to cold and should be protected when temperatures dip into the 40Fs. Check periodically for pests such as spider mites, white flies, and mealybugs. Use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control these pests.

Many different types of leis exist today. The wide variety of materials used and techniques that bring them together have made for a vast world of leis that still retain the warmth and meaning that have kept this beloved tradition alive through the centuries.

Different Weaves

The leis traditionally made in Hawaii are made from local foliage with seeds and flowers adorning them. Bark and vines are often used to create the strands that hold these leis together. Some of the common flowers used in traditional leis include the sought-after orchid, the lucky ti leaf, the beautiful carnation and the striking plumeria. There are also many other flowers and materials used in leis and many different methods for creating the finished lei. Here are seven ways that leis are made:

• Kui: This style is one of the most common, and it is made through a piercing method. The lei maker takes a needle and pierces the materials being used. Each is strung together to create a lei that resembles a necklace. This is often used with plumerias, but other flowers may be used to create this effect.
• Hili: This braided lei form uses just one material throughout the lei. It was often made by braiding together at least three strands of ferns or vines.
• Hipu’u: This knotted form of lei is made in much the same way as a daisy chain. Each stem is knotted together and the next stem is then strung through the knot to make the chain.
• Haku: This mounted style of lei begins with a braid. The chosen material is then added into each braid wrap to mount it to the strands. Long leaves or tree bark were often used to create the braid.
• Humu: This method of basting attaches the decorative material to the lei with a sewing stitch. By basting the material to each row in an overlapping pattern, the effect is like scales.
• Wili: This twisting method requires short lengths of the material to be held in place with a coil wrapped around them. The wrap is often made of raffia.
• Hilo: With a rope made of two twisted strands, this twisting method of lei making often used ti leaves.

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Different Materials

Many items from the Hawaiian islands were used to create their beautiful and meaningful leis. Flowers and leaves were common materials, but seeds, shells, feathers, bone, nuts and teeth were also used to adorn them. In ancient Hawaii, leis were worn for the Hawaiians to adorn themselves in natural beauty and to distinguish their own rank. The most significant type of lei was the maile lei. This was given between chiefs to foster peace with each other. In a Hawaiian temple, called a Heiau, the maile vine would be entwined to symbolize the coming together of both parties. When it was finished, both groups would be at peace. Learn more about different materials used in making Leis

A Lei for every Island

Both the surrounding Polynesian islands and the inhabitants of Asia influenced the creation of the distinctively Hawaiian lei. Wearing a lei for ancient Hawaiians represented their rank and their level of wealth. For royalty, it was an immediate sign of their status. The lei was also related to the geography of the islands, the religion of the people of Hawaii and the hula dance.

Pics Of Hawaiian Leis

Hawaii has eight primary islands. Each of these islands has its own official lei that is an exercise in the harmony of color and texture. Many of these leis cannot be shipped outside of Hawaii because of the agricultural laws that forbid the shipment of certain species of plants to the mainland. The islands and their corresponding leis are:

Oahu

Oahu is best known as the home of Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital city. Oahu may have many urban areas, but it is also known for its astounding natural beauty. The yellow ilima, a native Hawaiian plant, is the flower of Oahu. It is a small flower with a soft yellow color, and it looks much like a small hibiscus. In ancient Hawaii, this flower was used for medicinal purposes. It was often eaten by pregnant women to keep them healthy. Today, it is a popular flower for leis because of its memorable color and diminutive size.

Maui

In Maui in the 1800s, the pink lokelani was brought to the island by visitors who prized its blossoms for their sweet scent and beautiful shape and color. This flower became the official flower of Maui in 1923 and has remained a prized flower that islanders love to look at, smell and wear. This flower is a cottage rose variety that has bright blossoms that stand out no matter where they’re placed.

Kauai

The official flower of Kauai isn’t exactly a flower, but it is a lovely reminder of the island. The mokihana is a large green berry that has a bright and pleasing green hue as well as a spicy smell that is similar to anise. This native plant is found only on Mount Waialelae, and it makes a great material for a long-lasting, fragrant lei. It is often paired with maile leaves to create a festive green lei.

Cheap Hawaiian Leis

Hawaii

Called The Big Island by Hawaiians, the island of Hawaii is home to a wide variety of landscapes from desert to rainforest. Its official flower echoes the stunning natural beauty of this island of contrasts. The red Ohia Lehua grows on trees that can approach 100 feet in height, and the flower itself is an explosion of deep red color. Said to be sacred to the volcano goddess, Pele, this flower resembles a volcanic eruption with its many vertical streaks of bright red. The color and interesting shape of this flower make it perfect for leis.

Lanai

This small island is known for its past as a pineapple plantation and its abundance of natural spaces. Its symbol is the kaunaoa. This plant grows right in the sand of Lanai’s beautiful beaches. It has been nicknamed the air plant because it gets its nutrients from the air rather than from soil. Colorful leis are often made from this plant’s yellow and orange strands.

Molokai

Molokai has been nicknamed “the friendly island” by locals who love the hospitality of Molokai residents. The flower of this hospitable island is the white kukui blossom. This flower is a small, white bloom that has long been used in leis for its lovely white color. The kukui is also the state tree because of the importance of both the white flowers and the nuts that ancient Hawaiians once burned as candles.

Niihau

The flower of this tiny island is actually a shell. The pupu shell is common on this rocky island’s pristine shores, and it has long been prized by Hawaiians. This island has few human residents and no roads, but it has multitudes of these small white shells. They are prized for their use in leis because of their soft white color.

Kaho’olawe

Of the eight main islands of Hawaii, Kaho’olawe is the smallest. It’s uninhabited by humans, but it is inhabited by a beautiful white flower called the hinahina, also known as the native beach heliotrope. The fragrant smell and long-lasting blossoms of Kaho’olawe’s official flower have made it a favorite with lei makers. Both the flowers and its stems are used to make leis.

Photos Of Hawaiian Flower Leis

A Lei for every occasion

Real Hawaiian Leis

There are lei that are perfect for every occasion. No matter who the recipient and what kind of lei you are interested in, you can find out that is just right to honor the person you will give it to.