Smaller size Plumeria? (lawn, grow, containers, weeds)

[motifone]

Greetings,

I have a small spot (see photo) that I am re-scaping and considering placing a Plumeria. Never tried one before, and I know how popular they are here in Southern California. Thing is, it's not a big space. If I were to plant a Plumeria here, it would be at the corner where the downspout is , so that the branches might reach to both sides of the corner. That's also the spot where it will get the most sun. Something a few feet off the ground would be best here. Just don't want a lot of branches extending onto the walkway, which is why I'm removing a lot of Cannas from this spot (they flop onto the walkway in late summer)

Are there certain Plumeria that tend to stay smaller or can it be pruned to keep a certain size? I realize it's not a shrub, but a tree. Still, I've seen some people keep them at reasonable size, like in containers. I've seen some plant the pot right into the ground.

Also, do they always loose all leaves in winter here in southern california? (orange county here)

[DewDropInn]

I don't know of any plumerias that stay small, but as it grows new branches you can cut them off. (If you stick the branch in the ground...voila! A new plumeria.) Plumerias don't need tons of sun, but they grow towards the sun. Yes, they do drop their leaves.

Look for a Y shaped plant for that spot....about 2 feet tall. Be prepared to prune it because plumerias grow like weeds in Orange County. If you're friends with someone who grows them....ask for a cutting. Plumeria lovers tend to be very generous with cuttings because they are so easy to grow in OC.

That spot looks a little small if you're worried about branches blocking the sidewalk. I'd put it near the electrical box...not on the corner.

[motifone]

Thanks for the input. All your advice makes sense. There is more room on the electrical box side, but that side receives much more shade than sun. Perhaps on the opposite side, which is about equivalent to the electrical box space, and it gets sun. I should be more concerned with water. It’s hard for lawn sprinkers to fully avoid the spot, so it’s usually damp (hence the cannas did so well). I know Plumeria aren’t fond of wet feet, especially in winter. Maybe I could plant one there in the spring, by putting pot in ground, and then remove winter months.