About
Clerodendrum x speciosum is an evergreen shrub or climbing plant that can reach heights of approximately 3 meters. It features heart-shaped leaves that are dark green and prominently veined. From late spring through summer, it produces clusters of bright red flowers accompanied by purple bracts on elongated stems, which may later develop into bean-like fruit. This species is sensitive to frost and requires protection in colder climates.
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
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1B
Plant details
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow outdoors in warm, sheltered frost-free area. 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
- Pruning group 11
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, semi-hardwood and root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs, glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)