I grow them only in pots because of my cold climate. And I think that plumerias become even lankier in pots -- perhaps due the lack of available strong sun year-round (here in the north). So they tend to stretch a bit -- AND since the blooming is not as good as when they're in the ground, that adds to the lengthening of branches before the inflo develops. So I am looking for compact cultivars even more than you!!

In terms of compactness (of the ones I'm growing) the best seem to be:
Divine
Penang Peach (you'd probably be good with any of the Penang Peach offspring)

Next semi-compact would be:
Kimo
Lei Rainbow
Psycho (white)

Lanky ones for me:
Jeannie Moragne, Lani, Cal Sally, Pu'u Kahea, Hilo Beauty, Aztec Gold, Cookstown Sunset, Royal Hawaiian, Miami Rose

This post was edited by dave_in_nova on Wed, Jul 17, 13 at 9:15

I agree Dave, they do tend to become lankier in pots and also if they don't get enough sun. I also think it helps to start with a nicely shaped tree/cutting, with a short trunk with more several low branches.

Obviously some trees just want to be big and lanky and there really isn't much you can do about it.

Unfortunately it seems most of the ones with large blooms are not compact growers.

I think a lot also depends on if they are early, good bloomers. Obviously a rooted cutting that won't bloom quickly is still going to grow. Then by the time it does bloom and branch it's already taller and lankier than we like so the only option is to cut it off and re-root the top and some are not easy to root. This year I have paid more attention to tree shape when I buy a rooted cutting and passed on the lanky. I went and looked at them and picked them out except for JJ's and even then I was very specific what I wanted and John sent me very nice looking trees. I also picked up a few of JJ's at Lowes and went strictly for the ones with beautiful shapes. Divines, Grace, Thai Jade, all very healthy, perfect leaves, perfect shapes and inflos on almost every tip.

Penang Peach is the best bang for buck IMO. Since you have a CA sunset which to me is Penang Peach like... I would look for a Dwarf Singapore Pink. I get seven months or more of blooms out of a plant occupying six square feet of sunlight.

Penang Peach is my favorite too.

If I had to limit to only one (God forbid!), that would be it.

I'm making some backup plants just in case. It's an early bloomer for me which contributes to the compactness, as Powerpuff mentions.

Mike, this kind of information is so helpful for all of us who grow in pots. You're right: we fall in love with the flower photos, but if we rarely see flowers while having to lug skinny 7' trees indoors every year the hobby loses its appeal!

I'm willing to put up with a few tall trees, like Jeannie M., because their flowers are so large and spectacular, but for the most part I'm with Dave on tree size.

I'm with you guys.. I have to grow in containers too!!!

Elsie is a great compact for me.. Divine too. But , since California sunset and Desert Sunrise always perform for me... They are my favorites. Wait!!!
ETLD seems to be compact for me and great bloomer too!!! all of the above mention trees have large blooms. Dense branching as well.

The largest bloom I have ever seen is the California Sally!! AKA ( The Beast). Lol. I measured her blooms at 4 inches.. So even tall, she is a keeper!!!

Great info..

Thanks for the great thread!!!

Laura