The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden will host its 11th Annual Plumeria Festival Friday and Saturday, featuring the largest public collection of plumeria in the western continental United States. The festival runs Friday, July 18, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Plumeria Grove, located on Tallac Knoll at the Arboretum, contains more than 100 trees. The festival includes more than 20 plant and merchandise vendors, tours of the grove, garden tips from experts, entertainment, and food trucks.
Fragrance chemist Arturo Martinez, who grew up in Cuba and works as president of cosmetics maker Joar Labs in Glendale, donated the first plumerias to start the Arboretum’s Plumeria Grove. He filled his garden in Hollywood with plumeria plants because they reminded him of his homeland.
“What he told me was he kept thinking that there was something missing from his life. There was something from years ago that just wasn’t present,” said Jim Henrich, curator of the festival at the L.A. Arboretum, describing Martinez’s feelings before discovering plumeria.
Festival admission is included with paid general admission to the Arboretum, which costs $15. Arboretum members enter the festival for free with early admission at 7:30 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday.
The festival is presented by Longo Toyota Lexus Penske Motor Group as the presenting sponsor, with supporting sponsor including MonteCedro.
Despite being strongly associated with Hawaii and leis, plumeria are not native to Hawaii. The flowering plants are native to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and northern South America.
“I could neglect them, forget them, not be that caring, and yet they give me these beautiful, fragrant flowers,” Martinez said, describing his plumeria plants.
Coming to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, on Friday, July 18, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, July 19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia. For more call (626) 821-3222. Admission: $15 (free for Arboretum members)
