Overview
Clerodendrum tomentosum is a climbing shrubs in the genus Clerodendrum, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Clerodendrum tomentosum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.
About
Clerodendrum tomentosum, known as the downy chance, hairy lolly bush, hairy clairy or hairy clerodendrum is a shrub or small tree occurring in eastern and northern Australia. It is distributed from Batemans Bay (35° S) in southern coastal New South Wales, to Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, and New Guinea. The habitat of Clerodendrum tomentosum is the margins of warmer rainforests of various types. Grow it in full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it needs subtropical warmth and glass protection in the UK (RHS H1b). It works well for patio and container plants. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Provide support.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clerodendrum tomentosum
About the genus
Clerodendrum is a genus of flowering plants formerly placed in the family Verbenaceae, but now considered to belong to the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Its common names include glorybower, bagflower, pagoda flower and bleeding-heart. It is currently classified in the subfamily Ajugoideae, being one of several genera transferred from Verbenaceae to Lamiaceae in the 1990s, based on phylogenetic analysis of morphological and molecular data.
Wikipedia contributors, "Clerodendrum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clerodendrum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Clerodendrum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Clerodendrum tomentosum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Clerodendrum tomentosum
- Propagation
- Seed, semi-hardwood and root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Mealybugs, glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Clerodendrum tomentosum?
Clerodendrum tomentosum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Clerodendrum tomentosum need?
Clerodendrum tomentosum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Clerodendrum tomentosum hardy in the UK?
Clerodendrum tomentosum has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Clerodendrum tomentosum?
Seed, semi-hardwood and root cuttings.