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

Clerodendrum Bungei

INTRODUCTION:

Unlike most of the common types of Clerodendrum species which is the vining type, Clerodendrum Bungei is very much a shrub plant. Commonly known as Rose Glory Bower, Cashmere Bouquet, Mexicali Rose or Mexican Hydrangeas (not true Hydrangea family) however it does have similar appearance.

Considered native to China and somehow cultivated all around the tropical regions around Asia. This particular one is also cultivated around temperate regions due to it's cold hardiness which makes this plant all the more popular.

CHARACTERISTICS:

In its first appearance of plant growth, I noticed its upright standing plant where the stem have a dark coloration with slight stripped like appearance on the stem surface. I suspect that would had infected with scale insect but after close inspection - I was surprised to find that the plant had it's defend mechanism to mimic as if it had them on the stem.

The foliage were large and board almost like a hibiscus like foliage and it has a sandpaper like rough surface.

It took about few months for it to start it's bloom, however when the plant started to bud, I noticed that it had attracted ants which bought in alphids and mealybugs which was quite a menace. Every time when these plant was budding - these pest shows up usually with ants farming on the nectar.

However, nothing appears to stop this one from blooming - the showy full bloom is very much in pink appearance emits a nice sweet fragrance all day - often very much in evidence during morning and evening time.

The blooms last almost for few weeks and eventually the spend flowers starts to fade and dry off on the main crown and often I would trim off the whole top crown as it appears unattractive.

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.

SETBACK

They appear to be invasive & will crawl & sprout everywhere.

They do have a running underground rhizomes that new shoots to pop out elsewhere in the garden space. So you may have to watch out for that too. Once you plant this plant - consider it as a permanent plant in your garden, or else don't plant it because you will have hard time removing it.
(unless you are considering a major renovation in your garden)

Other than that, it is an easy going plant to cultivate.

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

 

Different Types of Clerodendrum Plant

INTRODUCTION:

Clerodendrum is basically a flowering plant species with many varieties. These often have clustered flowers - some fragrant and some not, however they do have showy floral display. In most cases only few are used as ornamental plant and I would like to show you what been cultivated as garden plants in my tropical plant region.

Here is the Collection of some of the types of the plants which I had cultivated and my experiences and thoughts on how I have managed to keep them for years.

Do click below (on the title names for more info) on the list of Clerodendrum plant species, their care and cultivation methods used here in my garden and throughout the tropical region:

Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum Thomsoniae) PART 1

Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum Thomsoniae) PART 2

Bleeding Heart Vine - Clerodendrum thomsoniae (UNRULY VINES)

Bleeding Heart Vine - UNRULY VINE (UPDATES)

Bleeding Heart Vine (Cleodendrum Thomsoniae)  - PART 3

Bleeding Heart Vine  (Clerodendrum Thomsoniae) PART 4

Red Bleeding Heart Vine  (Clerodendrum Thomsoniae) 

Variegated Bleeding Heart Vine 

(Clerodendrum Thomsoniae 'Variegatum') / (Clerodendrum thompsoniae ‘Variegata’)

Clerodendrum Bungei

 Rotheca myricoides / Clerodendrum  'Ugandense'

Variegated Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum Thomsoniae 'Variegatum') / (Clerodendrum thompsoniae ‘Variegata’)

 

INTRODUCTION:

Unlike the common type (the white flowered version) this particular type bleeding heart vine is super sensitive and more tend to rot away in comparison to the common type which is more hardier. Hence proper care is required in cultivating this type.

Although the leaves have interesting variegated appearance - they appear to grow very much slower due to the lack of greens on its foliage (lack of photosynthesis) Also it would really won't do well as combo planting set as they will not able to compete with other plants grown together with it.

Hence, it would do good to plant is separately, receiving adequate light and watering and also a good foliar fertilizer weekly application to strengthen for stable plant growth.

I doubt that you can actually consider pruning less this plant succumb to stress - unless this plant had grown to considerably strong vines which may require many years in cultivation. These rarely bloom however it does give balloon-like white calyxes with strong dark red corollas  also shows protruding  stamens that extend out of the petals.

Other than these specifics, the watering, lighting and potting medium is very much similar like the rest of the other Bleeding Heart Vine Plant.

The Variegated version have this very interesting cream to white coloration on the leaf surface and may at times appears to be unstable where the whole plant may revert back to the origin green and force all the variegation to a single vine where the whole stem will have a  total white foliage appearance. 

In a worse case scenario - the plant may ditch the white variegation vine and totally revert back to fully green - this will occur once the plant is fully matured and grown in full maturity producing many unruly vines.

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

Red Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum Thomsoniae)

INTRODUCTION:

This particular type of Bleeding Heart Vine share the same botanic name (Clerodendrum Thomsoniae) however this particular plant appears to be totally from a different cultivar from the white version.

Appears to have red calyces with mauve blooms and the flowers seemed to be more smaller with more blooms in comparison to the white version.

Other than the appearance, the care and cultivation of this particular vining plant is very much similar like the white variety.

The tiny flower buds are already in appearance from the side shoot together with the leaf nodes. These are very fragile also in strong vining grip characteristics. 

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. I had planted like 5 vines and only 3 survived, even then only two managed to reach maturity stage. 

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.

This particular plant blooms constantly on a daily basis.

HARDINESS

They do so well in shaded or semi-shade areas.
They survive in hot sunny area but they tend to have burned leaves and blooms. I find they are very hardy when it comes to pest. Quite a resistant plant.
The blooms last for weeks and newer blooms sprouts within a month.

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.

PROPAGATION:

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..



SETBACK

They are invasive & will crawl & twine all over, everywhere.
The vine seemed to sprout more side branches and they tend to knot here & there which may look ugly.

One vine when through a hanging pot watering hole and came out sprouting with few branches and that one was heavy with blooms. I had only trimmed it off after the flowering season was over. This is one of the reasons why they need pruning time to time.

The vine are very flexible and you may need to watch out as they do tend to be so elastic that the tendency of it to slap back at your face like a whip can happen.

They do have a running underground rhizomes that new shoots to pop out elsewhere in the garden space. So you may have to watch out for that too. Once you plant this plant - consider it as a permanent plant in your garden, or else don't plant it because you will have hard time removing it.
(unless you are considering a major renovation in your garden)

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

Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum Thomsoniae) PART 4

 

INTRODUCTION:

Here I want to show how these flowers buds in formation where these blooms are very much in clustered form. One of the factors where these clustered form in bunches and the older formation more flower buds which may last for many months when proper care is given.

These immaculate white colored blooms are very strong in appearance does create a showy feature in semi-shaded garden.

Here is the collection of all the pictures of these bleeding heart vine flowers that had gave these lovely blooms:

 

 

Blooms are so immaculately white with the bursting of red lips. Once they established, there is nothing to worry about except occasionally watering & feeding. I had seen some of these in the wild & abandoned areas where they bloom profusely. This one behaves orderly when planted in a pot. 

  

 

Sometimes when a plant do so well all the time and then you realize that you had just taken it for granted. Bleeding heart Vine just do that..

They are so gorgeous that they last for months - just went you think that the 1st bloom is over the next one is already in line. And there are so many new sets that the whole thing is cascading with layers of whites & reds.

I had recently reset this plant - trimming and pruning all the sprouting branches.
They tend to be leggy and put out new shoots everywhere.
However you might want to see it - once they start blooming - it is just glorious.

I had also noticed that these spend Bleeding heart vine flowers tend to give out these rosy tinted coloration before they fade and dry away - these rosy tint tones denotes the last days for these blooms to bid goodbye in my garden.

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