Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date:

Want Constant Blooms? Plant Clerodendrums

Your Shortcut to a Colorful Garden

Cat with Bleeding Heart Clerodendrum

Q: Q: I live in Florida, and while everything is green, I want more color in my garden and patio. What low-maintenance perennials can add nonstop blooms without constant care? I'm tired of annuals that don't last. Do such plants even exist?

A: Yes, they do - and your perfect solution is Clerodendrums. These colorful tropical perennials grow fast, bloom for most of the year, and thrive in both sun and shade. They're easy to care for, relatively cold-tolerant, and come in many shapes: shrubs, vines, and even small trees. Ideal for both garden beds and containers.

Why Grow Clerodendrums?

Clerodendrum philippinum - Cashmere Bouquet

Clerodendrums are tough, reliable, and visually striking plants:
- Fast-growing with a compact habit
- Available in many forms: shrubs, vines, and small trees
- Colorful flowers, many of them are sweetly fragrant!
- Thrive in sun or shade; cold tolerant; not picky about soil
- Bloom repeatedly or continuously
- Excellent for pots, patios, or indoors

Clerodendrums as Shrubs

Clerodendrum ugandense and mastacanthum

- Clerodendrum bungei - Glory Bower: fragrant pink blooms, spreads quickly
- Clerodendrum incisum - Musical Note: unique buds shaped like musical notes
- Clerodendrum inerme - Wild Jasmine: salt-tolerant, good for seaside areas
- Clerodendrum mastacanthum - Pink Butterfly Bush: long-blooming, eye-catching pink
- Clerodendrum paniculatum - Pagoda Flower: layered red-orange towers of flowers
- Clerodendrum philippinum - Cashmere Bouquet: double fragrant flowers, shade-tolerant
- Clerodendrum ugandense - Blue Butterfly: delicate blue blooms that attract pollinators

Clerodendrums as Vines

Clerodendrum thomsoniae - Bleeding Heart

- Clerodendrum thomsoniae - Bleeding Heart: classic red-and-white contrast, climbs easily
- Clerodendrum speciosum - Red Bleeding Heart: vivid magenta blooms, great on trellises

Clerodendrums as Small Trees

Clerodendrum quadriloculare - Winter Starburst

- Clerodendrum minahassae - Fountain Clerodendrum: upright, white flower sprays
- Clerodendrum sahelangii - Champagne Clerodendrum: cascading white blooms
- Clerodendrum quadriloculare - Winter Starburst: purple leaves, late winter blooms
- Clerodendrum schmitii - Chains of Glory: dangling flower clusters, unusual look
- Clerodendrum wallichii - Bridal Veil: long white flowers, graceful arching branches

Clerodendrum minahasse

Date:

What is the difference between Clerodendrum schmitii and Clerodendrum wallichii? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

What is the difference between Clerodendrum schmitii and Clerodendrum wallichii?

What is the difference between Clerodendrum schmitii and Clerodendrum wallichii?

  • ⭐️ The main difference between Clerodendrum schmitii and Clerodendrum wallichii lies in the color of their flower stalk and a slight variation in their growth habits, though both share similar overall characteristics.

  • ⭐️ Clerodendrum schmitii - also known as Chains of Glory or Light Bulb Flower, is a rare species that features elegant white, fragrant flowers held in loose, pendulous panicles. These blooms are showy against the plant's dark green foliage and typically hang down a foot and a half or more. This winter bloomer often has two flowering periods during the season and is distinguished by its striking red stems, adding a touch of drama to its graceful form.

  • ⭐️ Clerodendrum wallichiii, also known as Bridal Veil, has a similar cascading growth habit with fragrant white flowers in loose panicles, which appear around Thanksgiving. The flowers are beautiful, but the key difference is in its green stems. This plant grows up to 7 feet tall and has narrow, pointed leaves. It blooms from fall to spring, preferring to be protected from wind and hot afternoon sun.

  • ⭐️ While both plants feature fountain-like shapes and are covered in flowers during the winter to spring season, the red flower stalks of Clerodendrum schmitii and the green ones of Clerodendrum wallichii set them apart.


🎥 Clerodendrum schmitii - Chains of Glory, Light Bulb Flower.
More pictures in next post ⬇️

📚 More about Clerodendrums in previous posts:

🛍 Shop Clerodendrums

#Butterfly_Plants #Shade_Garden #Fun_Facts #Hedges_with_benefits #Container_Garden

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How to get a large, lush and fragrant bush in no time. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

How to get a large, lush and fragrant bush in no time

Clerodendrum bungei - Glory Bower, Cashmere bouquet

💐 How to get a large, lush and fragrant bush in no time
  • 💐 Looking for a fragrant, fast-growing shrub that adds beauty and privacy to your garden? Clerodendrum bungei - Glory Bower, Cashmere bouquet - is an excellent choice.​


  • Key Benefits:
  • 💐 Fragrant Blooms: Enjoy clusters of sweetly scented, pink flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. They open in terminal panicles up to six inches across.
  • 💐 Versatile Growth: Dark green leaves often tinged purple are up to 8 inches long. This plant can be grown as a compact shrub or allowed to spread. This plant is incredibly vigorous and fast-growing, spreading quickly through root suckers. If you don’t want it to take over your yard in just one season, make sure to plant it in a contained corner or a container.
  • 💐 Hardy and Resilient: Cashmere Bouquet is hardy to USDA Zones 8-10 and can tolerate light freezes, rejuvenating each spring. ​
  • 💐 Low Maintenance: It thrives in full sun to part shade and is drought-tolerant once established. ​Keep the soil moist during the growing season. ​Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages more blooms. ​


🛒 Buy Clerodendrum bungei – Cashmere Bouquet

📚 More about Clerodendrums in previous posts:

#Hedges_with_benefits #Perfume_Plants #Container_Garden #Butterfly_Plants

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The truth about Seaside Clerodendrum: it can cover the whole beach! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

The truth about Seaside Clerodendrum: it can cover the whole beach!

Clerodendrum inerme - Sorcerer's Bush, Seaside Clerodendrum

Clerodendrum inerme - Sorcerer's Bush, Seaside Clerodendrum

Clerodendrum inerme - Sorcerer's Bush, Seaside Clerodendrum

🌊 The truth about Seaside Clerodendrum: it can cover the whole beach! 😎

✅ Need to cover a large area, slope, or a fence with a pretty, fragrant dense shrub just in one season? This is your plant!
  • 🏖 Clerodendrum inerme, also known as Wild Jasmine, Sorcerer's Bush, or Seaside Clerodendrum, is perfect for covering large areas or fences quickly in just one season. This is perfect privacy plant!
  • 🏖 It is called Seaside Clerodendrum for a reason! It grows anywhere, including sand and, as we discovered, even over hot black plastic ground cover 😎
  • 🏖 Fast growing vining shrub with round, shiny, deep green leaves. Always in flower with white, fragrant blooms.
  • 🏖 Extremely hardy: withstands cold, heat, salt, and drought. Not picky about soil (can grow on sand! it's seaside!) and tolerates drought well.
  • 🏖 Ideal for coastal areas, tolerates salt spray and harsh sun, as well as shaded areas.
  • 🏖 Versatile: suitable for topiary or bonsai.
  • 🏖 Wind-tolerant and robust, making it a reliable choice for various settings.


🛒
Get your indestructible, fast growing Seaside Clerodendrum and have fun! 🏖

#Hedges_with_benefits #Perfume_Plants

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What is the most spectacular Clerodendrum? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

What is the most spectacular Clerodendrum?

Clerodendrum speciosissimum - Java Glorybower Mary Jane

What is the most spectacular Clerodendrum?
  • 🌸 Clerodendrums are tropical favorites, easy to grow, and bloom year-round. Thriving in sun or shade, they're perfect for home gardens. Many bloom in winter, brightening dark days - even on a windowsill!
  • 🌸 One of our favorites is Clerodendrum speciosissimum - Java Glorybower Mary Jane. This fast growing bush blooms with bright coral flowers, virtually year around!


🎥 Clerodendrum speciosissimum - Java Glorybower Mary Jane

📚 More about Clerodendrums in previous posts:

🛒 Shop Clerodendrums

#Butterfly_Plants #Container_Garden #Perfume_Plants #Shade_Garden #Hedges_with_benefits

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Date:

Clerodendrum schmitii and Clerodendrum wallichii. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Clerodendrum schmitii and Clerodendrum wallichii

Clerodendrum wallichii

Clerodendrum wallichii

Clerodendrum schmitii

Clerodendrum schmitii

🎈 Clerodendrum schmitii and Clerodendrum wallichii

📸 Clerodendrum wallichii (left) and Clerodendrum schmitii (right)

🛍 Shop Clerodendrums

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Date:

When is the season for the Bleeding Hearts. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

When is the season for the Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae)

💔 When is the season for the Bleeding Hearts
  • ❣️ Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) is named for its red and white flowers that look like dangling hearts.
  • ❣️ Native to tropical West Africa, this climber thrives in bright light and can be grown as a houseplant or trained on a trellis.
  • ❣️ It shows off its most spectacular blooms in winter, but with enough light, it'll happily flower year-round.


📚 More about Clerodendrums in previous posts:

🛒Get your own Bleeding Heart

#Butterfly_Plants #Shade_Garden #Fun_Facts #Hedges_with_benefits #Container_Garden

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Hedges with Benefits
Reference Chart

Hibiscus mutabilis flowering hedge

Large and fast growing

Tithonia diversifolia - Sunflower tree
Acacia farnesiana - Sweet Mimosa
Calliandra surinamensis - Powderpuff
Aloysia virgata - Almond Bush
Dombeya x wallichii - Tropical Hydrangea
Cornutia grandifolia - African lilac
Gmelina philippensis - Parrots Beak
Hibiscus mutabilis Cotton Candy - Mallow Hibiscus
Senna alata - Empress Candle, Candelabra Plant

Medium or easy-trim

Acalypha hispida - Cat tail, Chenille plant
Bauhinia galpinii - Pride of De Kaap
Cestrum nocturnum - Night blooming jasmine
Dombeya seminole - Tropical Rose Hydrangea
Gardenia thunbergia - Forest gardenia
Hamelia patens - Fire Bush
Hibiscus variegated Snow Queen
Jasminum sambac Maid of Orleans
Ochna integerrima - Vietnamese Mickey Mouse, Hoa Mai
Odontonema callistachyum - Lavender Butterfly Bush
Odontonema cuspidatum - Firespike, Red
Rondeletia leucophylla - Panama Rose
Tecoma stans - Yellow Elder

Short or slow growing

Aglaia odorata - Chinese Perfume Plant
Allamanda schottii - Dwarf Allamanda Bush
Brunfelsia pauciflora Compacta - Dwarf Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow
Clerodendrum incisum - Musical Note
Calliandra schultzii - Dwarf calliandra
Gardenia vietnamensis - Vietnamese Gardenia
Leonotis leonurus - Lions Ears
Neea psychotrioides - Pigeon Plum, Hoja de Salat
Plumbago auriculata Imperial Blue

Garden Specimens

Combretum constrictum Thailand, Ball of Fire
Caesalpinia pulcherrima - Red Dwarf Poinciana, Bird of Paradise
Clerodendrum quadriloculare - Winter Starburst
Euphorbia leucocephala - Snows of Kilimanjaro, Pascuita
Gardenia nitida - Shooting Star Gardenia
Hibiscus schizopetalus - Coral Hibiscus
Jatropha integerrima compacta
Kopsia fruticosa - Pink Gardenia
Malvaviscus x penduliflorus Variegata - Summer Snow
Mussaenda philippica x flava - Calcutta Sunset (Marmelade)
Plumeria pudica - Bridal Bouquet

Semi-Shade to Shade

Clerodendrum bungei - Glory Bower
Clerodendrum paniculatum - Pagoda Flower
Eranthemum pulchellum - Blue Sage, Lead Flower
Clerodendrum speciosissimum - Java Glorybower Mary Jane
Justicia carnea - Pink Brazilian Plume, Jacobinia
Magnolia figo - Banana Magnolia
Megaskepasma erythrochlamys - Brazilian plume
Thunbergia erecta - Kings Mantle
Tibouchina lepidota - Ecuador Princess, Jules Dwarf

Edible Hedges

Eugenia uniflora - Black Surinam Cherry Lolita
Camellia sinensis - Tea Leaf
Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica, Karkade Sorrel
Laurus nobilis - Bay Leaf
Manihot esculenta - Yuca Root
Nashia inaguensis - Moujean Tea, Bahamas Berry
Sauropus androgynus - Katuk, Tropical Asparagus
Sauropus Variegata - variegated Katuk

Date:

What is the most lovable flowering shrub? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

What is the most lovable flowering shrub?

Clerodendrum paniculatum - Pagoda Flower

❤️ What is the most lovable flowering shrub?

Clerodendrums are one of the most favorite and rewarding flowering shrubs and vines for Southern landscape or indoor culture.
  • ❤️ Free flowering, bloom year around
  • ❤️ Undemanding and fast growing
  • ❤️ Take sun or shade
  • ❤️ Many species are fragrant
  • ❤️ Attract butterflies and birds
  • ❤️ Perfect for container culture, compact and manageable plants
  • ❤️ Cold tolerant, quickly recover from cold damage, respond well to pruning.


📚 Clerodendrums mentioned earlier: Seaside Clerodendrum, Red Bleeding Heart, Bleeding Heart Vine, Musical Note, Glory Bower.

🎥 Clerodendrum paniculatum - Pagoda Flower

🛒 Shop Clerodendrums

#Butterfly_Plants #Hedges_with_benefits

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Why they call this Clerodendrum Musical Notes? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Why they call this Clerodendrum Musical Notes?

Clerodendrum incisum - Musical Note

Clerodendrum incisum - Musical Note

Clerodendrum incisum - Musical Note

Clerodendrum incisum - Musical Note

🎶 Why they call this Clerodendrum Musical Notes?

Clerodendrum incisum - Musical Note, Morning Kiss - has very unusual and showy flowers.
  • ♪ The unopened flowers resemble musical notes, giving the plant its name.
  • ♪ A compact grower and low-maintenance plant, perfect for gardens as it blooms well in both full sun and shade, and tolerates some drought ☀️☁️ .
  • ♪ It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a great choice for people who want to encourage wildlife in their gardens

🐞🐝.

🛒 Get some Music Notes for your garden

#Hedges_with_benefits #Butterfly_Plants

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