Ask if it’s grown from a cutting or seedling or flowered before (if an older plant). A seedling generally takes a minimum of 2 summers to flower, but can take considerably longer.

In New Zealand frangipanis are slow growing, averaging 10-15cm per years depending on location/conditions. So don’t wait for years, buy the height you want now.  

If you are wanting a specific colour flower, then only buy from a cutting, or a seedling that is flowering. Don’t buy a frangipani grown from seed, as their colour is always a surprise, though it can be a wonderful surprise. 

You will need free draining soil (eg not clay), or a raised bed where you can create the soil. Frangipanis don’t like wet feet, so if you don’t have free draining soil, planting in a pot is best.

Look for a wide shallow pot, as they have a shallow root system. Don’t use a pot too wide or too tall as the soil will remain moist and cause wet feet. In a pot too tall or too wide, plant in a smaller plastic pot and put this inside your larger pot and cover with soil. 

Older established frangipanis have been known to survive frosts (not guaranteed), but younger plants won’t usually. It’s safest to plant in a pot and move into a garage/shed for winter or use frost cloth in your garden. 

Established older frangipanis will do fine, rather than a younger plant, eg I would recommend our large size at 80-90cm from the top of the soil (or landscape size) and they are several years old.