About

Clerodendrum bungei is a deciduous shrub that forms suckers and features large, ovate leaves that can emit an unpleasant odor, particularly when young, as they often display a purple hue. In late summer and autumn, it produces rounded clusters of small pink flowers that have a sweet fragrance.

About the genus

Clerodendrum encompasses a range of growth forms, including deciduous or evergreen shrubs, trees, and climbing plants. The leaves are typically simple and may emit an undesirable odor. Flowers are borne in panicles and are generally fragrant, characterized by their salver-shaped structure and noticeable stamens. After flowering, these plants produce small berries.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Suckering
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Native to
China, N India
Fragrance
Flower, Foliage

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in a fertile, rich, moist, but well-drained soil in full sun
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 13-18°C (55-64°F) in spring. Propagate by suckers in autumn or spring. Alternatively, propagate by taking semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer. Root cuttings can be taken in winter
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to mealybugs, glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)