Grandiflora
Family
Verbenaceae
Botanical Name
CLERODENDRUM paniculatum
Plant Common Name
Pagoda Flower
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Pagoda flower has big, maple-like, glossy green leaves that accentuate the large, vivid, orange-red flowers in a long-lasting, dome shaped cluster at the tips of stems throughout spring and summer. Native to southeastern Asia from southern China to Malaysia, this is a frost-tender, suckering, evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub. The bright green foliage is large and obviously veined, with three to five short lobes, resembling those of a maple tree. At anytime of year, but more reliably in the warmest months, the stem tips give rise to a large tiered cluster of flowers that overall is reminiscent of the tall roof of a pagoda. The small individual flowers are trumpet-shaped with orange tubes but peach or white colored lobes and are fervently adored by hummingbirds and butterflies. Some plants may be more red or yellow-flowering in comparison. The small fruits, which rarely form in cultivation, are star-shaped with five short contorted fingers that are orange-green in color.
Plant pagoda flower in full to partial sun in a rich, average to moist soil with good drainage. Although an aggressive plant, it is not as invasive as other species of Clerodendrum. Sharply cut back the stems after flowering and prune off or dig up any suckering plants that arise from the modestly spreading roots. This is a relatively short-lived shrub, so care should be taken to not destroy too many suckers at once, reducing plant productivity too soon in its lifecycle. In subtropical climates with a notable cooler and drier winter, the plants may be fully deciduous and will return in the warmth of spring, but take care so that the roots do not dry out completely over the winter. Brilliant when interspersed among other shrubs in dappled sunlight under palms, it is also terrific as a large clump on a gentle hillside or at the base of a building. Any Balinese, Thai or Vietnamese-style garden must have this shrub!
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 12
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
5'-8' / 1.5m - 2.4m
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Width
5'-8' / 1.5m - 2.4m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
Southeastern Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Spreading
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Red, Orange, Peach
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Orange, Light Green
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Fruit Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
