Information about plants & gardens for Brisbane & Qld

Clerodendrum

species, hybrids and cultivars

Family: Lamiaceae (previously Verbenaceae)

There are a number of species, ranging from trees and shrubs to climbers in growth habit. Some were found in old-fashioned gardens in Brisbane and would be suitable for people wishing to re-create a traditional style.

However, some tend to sucker so confine those or be prepared to be vigilant to prevent them from getting out of hand.

Rotheca myricoides> 'Ugandense' (previously classified as Clerodendrum myricoides or Clerodentron ugandense) is unusual for it's "blue" flowers, and would have to be high on the list of anyone planning a garden based around this colour scheme.

There are also native species of Clerodendrum, including C. tomentosum and C. floribundum.

This genus was covered more thoroughly in the 07-05-2021 edition of Get Results Gardening. If you live in Australia, especially the warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions, you'll find lots more useful information in this weekly email publication. Want a free trial? Go to calyx.com.au/getresultsgardening.html for more information.

Clerodendrum in the Landscape

These pictures are intended to give an indication of how the plants look close up and in landscape settings. All the photos so far were taken in Brisbane. Click for larger images.

Clerodendrum splendens

Clerodendrum splendens

Clerodendrum x speciosum

Synonyms Clerodendrum speciosum, Clerodendrum delectum

Clerodendrum x speciosum

Clerodendrum thomsoniae

Clerodendrum thomsoniae

Clerodendrum laevifolium

Clerodendrum laevifolium (formerly C. wallichii and before that C. nutans)

Clerodendrum floribundum

An Australian native species

No photographs yet

Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense'

Blue Butterfly Bush. Previously classified as Clerodendrum myricoides or Clerodentron ugandense

No photographs yet

Volkameria heterophylla

Formerly Clerodendrum heterophyllum. A prickly, scrambling shrub that used to be used for hedging and may still be found in old Queensland gardens.

Regular green leaf

Variegated form

More images may be added over time as they become available. However, there won't be much new written content added here in the foreseeable future due to the decline of online advertising and the rise of content appropriation by artificial intelligence programs. Instead, quality information is now being directed towards the email publication (mini-magazine) Get Results Gardening. More information about it here: calyx.com.au/getresultsgardening.html If you live in Australia, request a free trial! You can also get the 30-01-2026 edition containing an article about clerodendrums if you ask for it in the message of your request email.