Photo of Clerodendrum bungei by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Clerodendrum bungei

Also Known As

  • Mexican Hydrangea

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 4'-6'
  • W: 3'-6'

planting zones

  • 7a-11

More Options

Clerodendrum bungei plant details

Clerodendrum bungei is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer magenta and pink flowers emerge. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Clerodendrum bungei

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 FT - 6 FT - wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: magenta and pink blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, cutting garden, fragrant, showy, spreading

GROWING CONDITIONS for Clerodendrum bungei

USDA Zones: 7a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Magenta pink flowers are gorgeous against the dark green foliage with a fragrance that is awesome and alluring. The leaf aroma, when touched, is found by some to be -- well -- less alluring, a bit peanut-buttery ... but consider that butterflies love the flowers and you will too. To 6 feet tall, flowering mid to late summer. Sun to part shade in good drainage with some water. Frost hardy to 0F, USDA zone 7. Enjoy!
Our hardy Clerodendrum bungei with its flamboyant large umbels of rose-pink flowers can be grown inside as a potted showpiece or outside in your summer garden. The fragrant flowers appear spring through fall. Vigorous and easy-to-grow, the semiherbaceous shrub has large, deep-green leaves and often dies-back to the ground in winter. The underground root system is invasive so the plant will spread unless kept in check. Prune when it gets too large and it will come back to fullness. Mulch in winter for zone 6.
Rose-pink summer flowers; part shade; suckers.
This may be hardier still although perhaps not quite as showy as the previous form; but one thing is certain it is much faster when it comes to suckering, given sufficient room, lots and lots of room it is spectacular, both in flower and in fruit. We suggest a lawn planting where mowing will keep it contained. On the aggression scale, it is right up there with the running bamboo species. Hinkley collected this from a canyon in Sichuan at 5,500'.
Sweetly fragrant, 6" deep pink bloom clusters are borne atop the dark glossy green heart-shaped foliage. An upright perennial that may spread vigorously if grown in the ground via underground runners. Makes a beautiful and easy container specimen.
Fragrant magenta & lavender blooms invite butterflies & hummingbirds through Summer on this easy to grow “pass along” plant. Leaves are a lush deep green, often with a burgundy reverse. Up to 6' in height (maximum), & can run wider. Sends out runners & can become a bit thuggish, but is a great problems solver for out of the way areas where you want some easy filler! On walks, I often see this plant persisting in long neglected gardens. I'm glad that it's not quite as aggressive here as it is in the South! I'm sure that our drier clime helps keep in in check some. If you're concerned about it spreading, it adapts very well to life in a container.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Clerodendrum bungei plant

How to Grow Clerodendrum bungei

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
    • magenta
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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