Clerodendrum schmidtii, Clerodendrum smithianum

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This elegant plant is a rare species in plant collections.

Winter bloomer, puts on a spectacular display with cascading white flowers that dance against its deep green foliage. Flowering racemes hang down a foot and a half or more. It often has two flowering periods during the winter season.

The white fragrant flowers are held in loose pendulous panicles, similar to Bridal Veil (Clerodendrum wallichii). The white flowers on long dark red flower stalks are very showy against dark green foliage.

The differences between the two species however are very distinctive. C. schmidtii has dark red flower stalks and they are much longer, while C. wallichii stems are shorter and all green. The overall look of C. schmidtii is more "fragile" and lace-like. Leaves of C. wallichii are more narrow than C. schmidtii. As far as flower shape, they look a lot alike, however C. schmidtii has fewer stamens. C. wallichii looks greener and healthier in filtered light, and C. schmidtii looks best in full sun conditions.

Clerodendrum sp.

Species and varieties:

Clerodendrum bungei

Clerodendrum calamitosum

Clerodendrum heterophyllum

Clerodendrum incisum

Clerodendrum inerme

Clerodendrum mastacanthum

Clerodendrum minahasse

Clerodendrum paniculatum

Clerodendrum philippinum

Clerodendrum quadriloculare

Clerodendrum sahelangii

Clerodendrum schmidtii

Clerodendrum speciosissimum

Clerodendrum speciosum

Clerodendrum splendens

Clerodendrum thomsoniae

Clerodendrum trichotomum

Clerodendrum ugandense

Clerodendrum wallichii

Clerodendrum speciosissimum, Clerodendrum fallax, Clerodendrum japonicum

Clerodendrum speciosissimum (Java Glorybower) is a large shrub that grows 5-10 ft tall, popularly cultivated for its velvety leaves and large array of velvety crimson and vinous flowers. Native to tropical Africa and islands of the Pacific, and grown in USDA zones 9-11, this plant adds a dose of tropics and beauty to landscapes, and also provides a number of ethnomedical and healthful benefits.

It can abundantly flower throughout the years with minimal care, best situated in semi-shade, and needs keeping soil consistently moist. Its blooms are noted to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators especially in the warmer months. Additionally, its mature individuals are considered cold hardy, withstanding temperatures as low as 30s F for a short time. It is also known to be flood tolerant.

In cold regions it can still be grown but in pots, as they are not cold-hardy enough to tolerate temperatures below 30sF. When planted in pots indoors, potting soil should be used as opposed to garden soil. Spot light pruning and adequate drainage are also recommended.

For those wanting to include this remarkable plant in their backyard oais, consider a position that can benefit off the enhanced humidity provided by the tropical vibes of its foliage. The Java Glorybower boasts its flowers and the many healthful benefits they provide, along with a fantastical addition to any landscape.

Clerodendrum speciosum, Clerodendrum delectum

An unusual color variation of the more familiar Bleeding Heart vine,

Clerodendrum splendens

It is a woody or semi-woody evergreen vine or running shrub to 12 ft (3.7 m) long, that climbs by twining. The leaves are oval, to 7 in (18 cm) long, and arranged in opposite pairs. Flowers are salverform (which means tuba shaped) having a slender tube with an abruptly expanded corolla. They are scarlet (sometimes white), about 1 in (2.5 cm) across and borne in dense terminal clusters to 5 in (12.7 cm) inches long. The fruit is unknown. Prefers full sun, but does best with some shade during the hottest part of the day in summer. Water frequently in summer, sparingly in winter. Hardiness: USDA Zones 10 - 11, does not tolerate frost. Requires a sturdy support like pergola. This evergreen climber is popular in warm, humid climates and can be used as an evergreen screen on a trellis or wall. The flowers are extremely showy and attractive to butterflies as well as people. Encourage branching and more flowers by cutting back previous season's growth to a suitable pair of buds.

Clerodendrum thomsoniae

Clerodendrum thomsoniae (Bleeding heart) is a popular, evergreen, deciduous vine native to Tropical and Central Africa. Hardy in USDA Zone 9-11, it prefers full or semi-shade to grow and thrive in, although it can tolerate short durations of full sun in cooler climates. Regular water is required to ensure healthy growth, but this drought-tolerant plant can withstand some dry periods. This showy creeper is noted for its heart-shaped blooms of white and off-white edged in bright crimson. In addition to its eye-catching flowers, the plant is also attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Clerodendrum thomsoniae can survive a short time in temperatures down to 30°F. It tolerate some salt spray that makes it an effective seaside plant.

Growing Clerodendrum thomsoniae in pots can be achieved in colder regions, provided the container is well-draining and offers adequate sunlight. During the winter months, keep the plant slightly drier and protect from excessive frost. Fertilize in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Prune lightly after flowering to help shape the growth and keep it in check. Regular repotting will ensure the plant receives the nutrients it needs to bloom in abundance. Finally, keep the pot free from weeds and waterlogged soil as this is a sure-fire way to kill off this fabulous evergreen creeper.

Clerodendrum trichotomum

Bushy shrub or small tree with large dark green leaves (bronze when young) to 8" and white fragrant flowers. Leaves, when crushed emit a "peanut butter" fragrance. Blooms in late summer and early fall, showy red calyxes cover small, and ultimately, bright blue fruit. Word Clerodendrum: from the Greek, klero, chance, and dendron, tree (some are tree-like), alluding to the unpredictable medicinal properties of plants in this genus. Trichotomum: branching into three. The real beauty is in the seeds which are blue and coated in a red tissue. Hardy to USDA Zone 6 -9 , this bush can tolerate some frost. The fruits are turning blue when mature.

Clerodendrum wallichii, Clerodendrum nutans

This graceful shrub grows up to 7 ft and has pointed narrow leaves 4 to 9 inches long. The white fragrant flowers are held in loose panicles, which are more or less pendulous. Cascades of flowers appear around Thanksgiving. Keep it out of the wind, and avoid putting it where it will get late afternoon sun. Blooming in fall-spring. The genus Clerodendrum consists of over 450 species of trees or shrubs, sometimes climbing, native to the tropics, but mostly to the Eastern Hemisphere. The name is derived from the Greek kleros, chance, and dendron, a tree, and is supposed to be in reference to the variable medicinal qualities of certain plants belonging to this genus.

Congea tomentosa

The actual flowers are tiny and inconspicuous, but they are borne in the center of three showy white 1in (2.5cm) long bracts that look like velvety propellers. The bracts gradually change through pink, lavender, and finally gray over the course of several weeks.

Cornutia grandifolia

Cornutia grandifolia, or Tropical Lilac, is a large shrub with many intriguing features. It can grow to a height of 5-10 ft with velvety leaves that contrast delightfully with the fragrant blue and lavender colored flowers. The plant requires full sun or semi-shade position to thrive and needs moderate waterings, and makes an excellent display. Grown in USDA Zone: 9-11 it attracts many with its lively and decorative inflorescence, and will bring joy to any garden with it pleasant aroma.

Tropical Lilac is preferred by butterflies and hummingbirds, it's cold-resistant nature ensures mature plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 30s F for a short period of time without harm. To get the best out of this beautiful plant and ensure it prospers, planting in the soil is recommended, although it might be grown in pots for decorative purposes. Those growing Cornutia grandifolia in colder regions, should ensure pots are placed in sheltered areas,