Butterfly Bush, or to give it its proper name, Clerodendrum myricoides 'Ugandense', is a spectacular plant, especially when the butterfly-shaped flowers cover it. Native to tropical Africa, Butterfly Bush is a sprawling evergreen shrub with a weak upright habit. It grows to 2m to 3 m tall in its native habitat. From Spring through Autumn the delicate and intricate flowers appear, suggestive of a butterfly in flight. Black, fleshy fruit follow the blooms.
It should be planted in part to full (coastal) sun and irrigated regularly. It is hardy to about -7˚C. It can be pruned back continually to keep the plant more compact. This species from East Africa (originally described in Kenya and not Uganda) will take rather cooler conditions than most tropical clerodendrums. No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for aphids and whitefly.
This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme,
and also part of the Nature Notes meme.
Your butterfly bushes look like butterflies! Pardon my amazement, because the ones we call butterfly bushes (SE in the USA) are just those that attract butterflies. Similar shape, and the bush can get to be small trees if allowed to. Much smaller flowers on a spiky end of each branch.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty and great info Nick....Michelle
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