Rotheca myricoides / Clerodendrum 'Ugandense'

INTRODUCTION:

This particular plant was originally labelled as Clerodendrum  'Ugandense' however re-listed Clerodendrum myricoides or Clerodendrum myricoides 'Ugandense' and now currently as Rotheca myricoides.

Commonly identified as Butterfly Bush in which the flowers appears in 4 pale blue lateral petals and 1 blue to purplish blue, downward-pointing petal in the shape of a butterfly. These blooms form in a clustered inflorescences which is in continuous blooms. 

This particular plant is native to Africa, the butterfly shaped floral features seemed to be the unique feature which attracts this particular plant in cultivation as ornamental plant around the world.

Other common names include:
Blue Butterfly Bush, Blue Glory Bower & Blue Oxford Bush

PROPAGATION

The best I found is from the matured stem cuttings. They may stay dormant for weeks, then sprouts may appear from the nodes.  Sometimes few of the cuttings may not survive - so it is best to have more cuttings planted than just one. 

Propagation can be done but stem cutting, stripping off the bottom leaves and poking it into a deep pot with a rich potting soil. Keep it in shade until you notice a new leaves growth.

Another method is to put the cutting into perlite medium (soaked in water)  Once taken roots, it should be carefully transplanted into a good potting mix..

Once they start growing - you really don't have to worry as more vines and new plants emerge from the base roots area. 

PRUNING:

One of the most challenging part for this shrub is pruning. They do grow extremely fast and become very unruly if not proper care is not given - especially when it comes to growth factor, this plant focus more on branching more stem and over growth rather than blooms which can be one of the down-side coming from this ever blooming plant.

However with the right pruning method and keeping it trimmed and manageable size - this one can be such a beauty. This plant can become into a full grown tree - hence pruning and keeping focused in making its growth into one main stem can allow it to bloom more gracefully and not creating a wild-like shrub with stem branching everywhere.

WATERING & FEEDING:

It may require a good adequate watering - both morning and evening based on the size of the plant.
You can grow it in a nice medium or large size pot, the plant will behave and grow based on the size of the pot. However I would recommend this to grow freely on ground if you want lushful beautiful constant blooms.

Also this plant is a heavy feeder and do feed adequately during the flowering season.

However take note that over-watering can cause them to bud-drop especially during the rainy season, hence a well balance fast draining medium to ensure no root rot occurs.

LIGHT:

Being a Tropical plant does require good strong indirect bright sunshine, It can tolerate growing in shaded area however it must receive at least few hours of sunshine. It does not do well in heavy shaded area and may not bloom in such conditions. Also the leaves may turn yellow to light green/pale green and also become leggy. Another factor in the lack of sunlight may cause the plant to become stress and can attract pest to heavily attack on them.

Hence do give a thought if your are not having open garden area as this would not so well as indoor plant - even placing them as a balcony potted plant can be challenging if they do not receive adequate light.

SOIL MEDIUM:

Considering one of the most basic thing about planting material - this one doesn't require anything special - just any balanced potting mix will do. They seem to do fine in a medium or big potted plant - however they will do great if they are planted directly into the garden soil as these will require just that to produce those lovely blooms.

However if limitation occurs where you can only grow in pot - then a good balanced potting mix with rich amount of organic material and equal part of well drained soil which will help from root rot. 

Instance as such as these - they are often planted straight into open garden land where they are not in a pot - hence they appear hardy and able to take the heavy pruning.

 Do click on the link below for more detailed information on the other Clerodendrum Plants and Posts:
Different Types of Clerodendrum Plant