I don't think so. The remaining branch will probably grow outward as if nothing happened, though probably a lot faster without competition for energy. Most center cuts will grow branches that go more or less straight up, but an intact growth tip will tend to branch outward like yours is doing.

Your best bet is probably to let the branches get to about a foot long and then tie them to each other and to a strong stake in the ground and train them upward. I have a three-tip with branches growing far apart that I've done this with--I have to bring mine in every winter so they need to be more compact--and it was really easy with green gardeners tape. Then when the wood hardens, maybe even within the year, you can take the tape off and the branches should stay put.

Your other option is to cut off one branch and replant the whole thing with your one branch growing straight upward. With this method, though, there's no guarantee that you'll get the four feet of straight growth you'd like before more branching occurs.

What you are looking for is not a characteristic of most plumeria I have seen. I have one that is over 10' tall and it has branches from about 1' above soil. Even if I cut off the lower branches, I would not have a single trunk going straight up.

I would agree with Mike. Although if you look in plumeria books, in Hawaii they grow as trees, this is natural, but it takes a number of years, there are a couple by my house in La Verne that are definitely trees, but they are both about 20 years old.

The trunk will continue to grow along with the branches, I would leave the branches alone and let it grow. They get close to the height of a one story house over time. Jennifer

Dwpc, wanna do a trade? I've got one that's exactly three feet tall that hasn't bloomed or branched yet! You could definitely get your 4' single trunk by the end of summer. Of course, you'd need to come here and get it. ;P

Jennifer, I think I may have some seeds that would be perfect for you--fast-growing desirable varieties that are going to be a bit big for me, since I can't put them in the ground and you can. It's not a lot, so I'm waiting to see if a couple germinate first so I don't send you any duds.

Jen

Jen,

Thanks, that would be awesome. Keep in touch!

Also, some varieties grow more naturally as 'tree form' than others. My 'Miami Rose' for example, is a tall grower and is easier to train as a 'standard'. But I have also used jandey's technique of tying up branches.

The branches are quite pliable when they're young. But you should count on tightening the tape throughout the summer. Don't apply too much tension at first! They might snap.

I agree with Mike and Dave. Seedlings, especially from Moragne stock can grow very tall before branching (about 3'). If you were a good grafter, I think you could graft the longest branch on the stem cut below the first split and repeat this until you reached your height but I have not seen this done. I tie my hedges to wood posts (now 10' conduit) and have many over 8' tall now. I re-tie each year and cut the lower ties. This keeps the plants tall and not wide, and cuts down on broken branches from weight or wind. Bill