Clerodendrum mastacanthum, Rotheca mastacantha, Rotheca mastacanthus, Rotheca macrodonta

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A new plant in cultivation originated from South Africa. It is very similar to more common species Clerodendrum ugandense (Blue Butterfly Bush) other than color and smaller size of the flowers which are in tighter panicles.

It grows into a vigorous large size bush with multiple stems. Unlike most clerodendrums, it is very difficult to propagate and cuttings don't root very easily. Small plants grow very slowly but even at 1 ft tall they start flowering. Once etablished, the bush grows fast, producing many branches.

Cultivation is pretty simple and the plant needs only average maintenance - regular water and well drained soil. It needs full sun for flowering. Pink Butterfly Bush is more cold sensitive than Blue Butterfly Bush (C. ugandense). However even after a cold snap and leaf damage, plants regrow well from the main stems.

Originally we have obtained this plant in 2014 from a rare plant collector, and have been propagating it since. It came to us under name of Rotheca mastacantha. The name Rotheca is often used for plants in Clerodendrum genus.

Similar plants:

• Rotheca hirsuta, Clerodendrum hirsutum, Clerodendrum natalense (Cat's Whiskers)
• Rotheca microphylla, Clerodendrum incisum, Clerodendrum macrosiphon, Rotheca incisa, Rotheca incisafolia (Musical Note, Morning Kiss, Clerodendron, Witches Tongue)
• Rotheca myricoides, Clerodendrum ugandense (Butterfly Clerodendrum, Blue Butterfly Bush, Blue Glory Bower, Blue Wings)
• Clerodendrum bungei (Cashmere (Cashmir) bouquet, Glory Bower, Clerodendron)
• Clerodendrum calamitosum (White Butterfly Bush)
• Clerodendrum heterophyllum, Clerodendrum aculeatum (Tree of little stars, Escambron, Tamourette)
• Clerodendrum inerme, Volkameria inermis (Wild Jasmine, Sorcerers Bush, Seaside clerodendrum, Clerodendron)
• Clerodendrum laevifolium, Clerodendrum wallichii, Clerodendrum nutans (Bridal veil, Nodding Clerodendron)
• Clerodendrum minahassae (Fountain Clerodendrum, Clerodendron, Tube Flower)
• Clerodendrum paniculatum (Pagoda Flower, Orange Tower Flower, Clerodendron)