Chaparral view from the trail.

The Chaparral, The Tangled Assortment of low-growing, drought-resistant native shrubs covering most of San Diego County’s lower mountain slopes, has managed to remain somewhat green this summer. Unlike many of the scrubby natives near the coast, chaparral plants tend to hang on to their leaves year round. This month, the coppery, sun-burnished remnants of last spring’s flower clusters are still clinging to the tips of buckwheat and chamise plants. A few wildflowers may have popped up here and there in response to any recent thunderstorm activity over the foothill and mountain areas. To enjoy the austere beauty of the chaparral landscape, explore the hillsides above Lake Morena and along Lyons Valley, Japatul, and Boulder Creek roads in East County. Or head inland from Escondido toward Ramona or Valley Center.

While Admiring Your Plumeria Flowers this time of the year, keep an eye out for seed pods on your plant. A newly planted plumeria can take up to 5 years to send out its first bloom and then those flowers will need to be pollinated, typically by Sphinx moths, hummingbirds or butterflies. Seed pods will follow a bloom, typically late summer or early fall, and then take 8 to 10 months to mature into viable seeds.

Plumeria seed pods will darken, dry out, split and drop viable seeds in 8-10 months.

Wikimedia Commons/Forest & Kim Starr

Plumeria seeds must mature on the plant and if removed before ripening, the seeds will not germinate. Starting off small, seed pods will resemble green beans and grow to 6 to 8 inches in length and transition from green to dark brown in color. Eventually, the darkened seed pods will become dry and start to split open.

Most seed pods open in the spring but can open at any time of the year so keep an eye on them. A good tip is to wrap nylon pantyhose around the pod once it begins to split and this allows the seeds to still receive the sunlight and air they need while catching them if they fall from the pod. Once the pod has ripened and split, remove the seeds and either plant them immediately or save them in a breathable cloth bag, paper bag or envelope. Avoid plastic or sealed containers because they can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Properly stored plumeria seeds can last up to 2 years, though fresher seeds generally have a higher germination rate.