About

Clerodendrum chinense var. chinense (d) is a bushy shrub that can reach heights and widths of up to 2.5 meters. This semi-evergreen plant features broad, oval leaves with a soft, downy texture and shallowly serrated edges. During the summer months, it produces fragrant, double flowers that range in color from white to pale pink, arranged in rounded clusters at the tips of the branches.

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
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1B

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Fragrance
Flower

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow outdoors in summer in a warm, sheltered spot. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun and good ventilation in the summer
Pruning
Thin out crowded growth in spring
Propagation
Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)