Clerodendrum paniculatum

This is an erect, open semiwoody shrub with large evergreen leaves and huge showy clusters of orange-red or scarlet flowers held above the foliage. The bush sometimes has multiple stems and gets 3-5 ft tall, spreading 2-3 ft across. The handsome, tropical looking leaves can be as large as 12 in across, they have heart shaped bases; lower leaves are lobed and upper leaves entire. They are arranged in opposite pairs along the fast growing stems which often branch from the roots rather than from a single trunk. The flowers are funnel shaped with long tubes. The flowers within the pyramid shaped cluster are tiered, like a Japanese pagoda. The showy display lasts from summer through autumn with additional sporadic flowering throughout the year in frost free climates. Pagoda flower is a fast growing shrub. It does best in a rich, slightly moisture retentive soil. Hardiness: USDA Zones 8 - 11, a returning perennial in zones 8B and 9. It can be expected to sprout back in spring after dying to the ground in winter. The plant is often grown in a mixed border or as a specimen along a wall, even under an overhanging roof.

Similar plants:

• Clerodendrum bungei (Cashmere (Cashmir) bouquet, Glory Bower, Clerodendron)
• Clerodendrum calamitosum (White Butterfly Bush)
• Clerodendrum heterophyllum, Clerodendrum aculeatum (Tree of little stars, Escambron, Tamourette)
• Clerodendrum incisum, Clerodendrum macrosiphon, Rotheca incisa, Rotheca incisafolia (Musical Note, Morning Kiss, Clerodendron, Witches Tongue)
• Clerodendrum inerme, Volkameria inermis (Wild Jasmine, Sorcerers Bush, Seaside clerodendrum, Clerodendron)
• Clerodendrum mastacanthum, Rotheca mastacantha, Rotheca mastacanthus, Rotheca macrodonta (Pink Butterfly Bush)
• Clerodendrum minahassae (Fountain Clerodendrum, Clerodendron, Tube Flower)
• Clerodendrum philippinum, Clerodendrum fragrans pleniflorum, Clerodendrum chinense, Volkameria fragrans (Chinese Glory Bower, Cashmere bouquet, Scent Malli, False Pikake, Glory Tree, Clerodendron)
• Clerodendrum quadriloculare (Winter Starburst, Fireworks, Clerodendron)
• Clerodendrum sahelangii, Clerodendrum indicum, Clerodendrum infortunatum (Champagne Clerodenrum, Turks Turban, Skyrocket, Clerodendron)