It's Latin name is Clerodendrum ugandense, from the Verbena family. It can grow to 8 feet high and 8 feet wide and doesn't mind being trmmed back to 2-3 feet high to become bushier. Right now I keep it at 3-4 feet high and will trim it as it finishes blooming. It loves lots of water, which is another reason I keep it in a pot, so that it doesn't dry out in our heat waves.
It's buds are tight little ovals when preparing for bloom. They can even have a little color. They cluster tight together.
As they prepare to bloom the buds spread out into the air.
The plant is originally from Africa, actually Kenya, rather than Uganda, as the name suggests. There has been some controvery about the Latin name. Now it seems to be called Clerodendrum myricoides 'Ugandense.'
It will take light shade and handle temperatures to 20 degrees F.
All parts of the plant are poisonous, so don't try to take a snack on this plant. Another relative to this bush. C. trichotomym is used in Chinese herbal medicine for a variety of ailments.
The spiders enjoy it too.
In my garden it is very exciting when it blooms as its flowers are so spectacular, even though small. They look like butterflies with different colored blue petals and pistils that unfurl themselves like the anthers of a butterfly. Butterflies and bees love them and can often be found hvering around them when they are in bloom.
Now for the glory of its blooms and a few shots of the plant in larger perspective. Enjoy.
