Butterfly Gold plumeria is a Thai cultivar grown for very wide, twisting petals in gold streaked with orange and red. The flowers are large, and the plant is tall and vigorous, with a sweet but modest scent.
It is not a heavy bloomer, so people usually buy it for flower form rather than flower count. Sources agree on the broad picture but differ on details, and we flag those differences below.
For the wider field of named types, see our plumeria varieties guide.
Butterfly Gold Plumeria at a Glance
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Color | Gold or yellow, streaked with orange and red; red edges in one description |
| Flower size | About 4 to 5 inches across, depending on the seller |
| Petal shape | Very wide, overlapping, twisting petals that taper to a point |
| Fragrance | Mild to medium, sweet |
| Bloom season | Not well documented; described as an average bloomer, not a prolific one |
| Growth habit | Tall and vigorous; floppy stems may need support |
| Leaf | Dark green, slightly shiny, elliptical (one seller) |
| Species or parentage | Sold as a Plumeria rubra type; parentage not well documented |
| Breeder or origin | Thailand; breeder not well documented |
| Registration | No registry number verified; also sold under the code 4407 |
What Butterfly Gold Plumeria Looks Like
The flower is gold overall, with orange and red streaks that run from the center toward the tips. One nursery describes red edges on the petals, while another spec table simply lists the color as yellow. That fits a flower whose look depends on the plant and the weather.
The petals are the main feature. They are broad, they overlap, and they twist slightly as they open, which is where the butterfly wing comparison comes from. Each petal tapers to a point rather than ending in a round tip.
Size claims range from about 4 inches to 4.5 or 5 inches across. Either way, it is a large flower by plumeria standards.
Heat is said to deepen the darker tones. One seller adds that the colors stay rich in cooler weather too, though that is a seller claim and not a measured result.
The leaves are described as dark green, slightly shiny and elliptical. Only one source gives leaf detail, so use the flower, not the foliage, to confirm identity. Stems are reported to be long and a little floppy, which gives the tree an open, upright look.
Fragrance
Sellers call the scent sweet, and they rate it from mild to medium. Nobody breaks it into notes such as citrus, peach or spice, so its character is not well documented.
If scent is your main goal, other cultivars are better known for it. Look for cultivars whose scent is described in detail by growers.
How to Tell Butterfly Gold Plumeria Apart From Look Alikes
The confusable plants are other gold and yellow cultivars, especially ones with orange or pink in the center. The details below come from nursery descriptions, and sellers do not always measure flowers the same way.
| Cultivar | Color and pattern | Petal shape | Fragrance | Key tell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butterfly Gold | Gold with orange and red streaks | Very wide, overlapping, twisting, pointed | Mild to medium, sweet | Streaked red and orange over gold, broad butterfly petals |
| Aztec Gold | Golden yellow with a faint pink edge and orange center | Not described | Strong, peach like | Smoother gold with an orange center, no streaking |
| Inca Gold | Solid bright yellow, sometimes a white edge in cool weather | Not described | Medium, jasmine like | Solid yellow, smaller flower |
| Celadine | Yellow with a broad white border | Narrow, pointed, slightly overlapping | Strong, citrus and lotion like | Clear white border, narrower petals |
The easiest check is the pattern. Butterfly Gold carries orange and red streaks across a gold base, while Aztec Gold has a cleaner gold face with orange only in the center. Inca Gold is a plain bright yellow, and Celadine is defined by its white edge.
Mislabeling is a real risk with gold types, because young plants and cuttings look alike before they flower. Do not treat a name as confirmed until your plant has bloomed and matches the pattern above.
Growing Butterfly Gold Plumeria
Basic care is the same as for any rubra, so start with our plumeria care guide. What sets this cultivar apart is its vigor.
Sellers report 24 or more inches of growth per year, which is fast. That energy goes into stems, and growers who want more flowers commonly aim to keep the plant in full sun and avoid heavy nitrogen, since a vigorous plant can put out length at the cost of blooms. This is grower practice rather than a documented finding for this cultivar.
The floppy stems matter in a windy spot or a pot. A stake or a sheltered position can prevent snapped branches on a tall, top heavy plant.
Cold tolerance is not well documented. One seller says it thrives in warm conditions and suits warm climates, and gives no minimum temperature. Treat it like any other rubra: protect it from frost and bring potted plants inside before cold nights.
Container growing is possible, but its height means it outgrows small pots quickly. Expect to repot more often than with a compact type.
Origin and History
Butterfly Gold comes from Thailand, where plumeria breeding has produced many named cultivars in recent decades. One US seller calls it one of the more popular Thai varieties to date.
The breeder, year of introduction and parentage are not well documented. We cannot say who named it, though the butterfly wing petals make the name easy to understand.
A second code, 4407, appears on one seller page, which suggests it circulates under more than one label. Be cautious of any listing that gives a confident breeder or date without a source.
Where to Buy and How to Propagate
Butterfly Gold is sold by specialty plumeria nurseries as cuttings, rooted plants and grafted plants. Florida Colors and Brad’s Buds and Blooms are two sellers that have listed it, and stock changes, so check what is available. Seeds are also advertised for this name, which is a warning sign, because seedlings do not come true.
The main risk is a mislabel. Buy from a seller who shows the parent plant in bloom, and read our guide to where to buy plumeria cuttings.
To make more, take a cutting from a healthy branch, as explained in how to take plumeria cuttings. Cuttings keep the cultivar, whereas seedlings often differ from the parent, according to the University of Hawaii extension. For a grafted copy, see grafting plumeria.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strength: large, wide petaled flowers with a striking streaked pattern.
- Strength: vigorous growth, with a tall habit that suits open ground.
- Weakness: described as an average bloomer, not a heavy one.
- Weakness: floppy stems that can need support.
- Weakness: breeder, registration and cold tolerance are not well documented.
If you prefer warmer tones, compare it with other yellow plumeria and orange plumeria options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How big are Butterfly Gold plumeria flowers?
Sellers give about 4 inches across, and one says 4.5 to 5. Both place it among the larger flowered cultivars.
Is Butterfly Gold plumeria fragrant?
It has a sweet scent that sellers rate as mild to medium. It is not known as a powerfully scented type.
Does Butterfly Gold plumeria bloom a lot?
One seller calls it an average bloomer, not a prolific one. The large flowers are the reason growers accept that.
Where does Butterfly Gold plumeria come from?
It comes from Thailand. The breeder and year are not well documented.
Can I grow Butterfly Gold plumeria from seed?
You can sprout a seed sold under that name, but the plant will probably not match the parent. Use a cutting or graft for a true copy.