TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA


Pictogram Guide · Mouse over pictogram for definition

Rotheca myricoides, Clerodendrum ugandense, Butterfly Clerodendrum, Blue Butterfly Bush, Blue Glory Bower, Blue Wings

Rotheca myricoides, Clerodendrum ugandense

Butterfly Clerodendrum, Blue Butterfly Bush, Blue Glory Bower, Blue Wings
Family: Lamiaceae    (Formerly:Verbenaceae)
Origin: Tropical Africa, Kenya and Uganda
USDA Zone: 9-11?
USDA Plant Hardiness MapLarge shrub 5-10 ft tallFull sunDry conditionsModerate waterBlue, lavender, purple flowersPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds

Specimen plant. Sky blue flowers looking like butterflies - unusual color for tropics. Clerodendrum ugandense has been cultivated in botanical gardens for almost 100 years, but has only recently been considered as flowering potplant. It is a fast growing plant which in nature grows to 6-9 ft, but is easily kept much smaller. The irregular flowers are bright blue, in two different shades of blue and are produced more or less continuously throughout the summer and fall. Flowers have long purple anthers which bend elegantly upwards.

Grow this clerodendrum in partial shade. Water freely in growth but reduce watering in winter. Hardiness: USDA Zones 10 - 11. Performs best in a frostfree climate, but it is root hardy in zones 8 and 9, freezing to the ground in winter, but returning from its roots in spring.

Prune back as needed to keep it in bushy shape. Cut back the old wood to a pair of buds to improve flowering. In areas that get frost, you can get the most consistent flowering by growing it in a large pot that can be brought indoors when temperatures approach freezing.

It has an odd scent when the leaves are brushed which may serve to repel chewing insects because it is pest free.


Similar plants:

More similar plants




Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/clerodendrum_ugandense.htm

Clerodendrum ugandense - Blue Butterfly

Blue Butterfly Clerodendrum - fast growing showy shrub with bright blue butterfly-like flowers. Attracting butterflies too! Very easy to grow and fast growing.

Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Megaflor - Bloom Nutrition Booster
This item is certified for shipping to California.
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot
In stock
$29.95