Overview of Clerodendrum bungei Steud.
Clerodendrum bungei Steud. is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is commonly known as Rose Glory Bower, Cashmere bouquet, or Mexican Hydrangea. It is native to northern and central China and has been widely cultivated in other countries for ornamental purposes.
General Appearance
The plant's leaves are oval, large, dark green, and hairy on the upper part. They have prominent veins and can grow up to 10 cm long. The flowers are pink and bloom in late summer to autumn. The inflorescences are in clusters, and the individual flowers have a tubular shape. They are five-lobed and have a distinct white eye. The scent of the flowers is sweet and musky, which often attracts butterflies and bees. The plant can grow up to 1.5 - 2.5 meters tall and wide, and its growth habit is upright and bushy.
Uses
Clerodendrum bungei Steud. is commonly used in landscaping as an ornamental garden plant, thanks to its fragrant and showy flowers. As a cut flower, it adds elegance and beauty to fresh flower arrangements. In traditional medicine, the plant's roots and bark are used for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. The plant's bark contains essential oils and has been used as an insecticide and pesticide.
Additionally, the plant's leaves and flowers are used to make scented candles and essential oils. The sweet-smelling flowers with their soft pink hues are perfect for aromatherapy and relaxation. The plant's extracts are also used as a natural food flavouring, especially in tea, confectioneries, and baking.
To sum up, Clerodendrum bungei Steud. is a beautiful, versatile, and useful plant with a rich history of human use. Its natural beauty and sweet aroma make it an excellent choice for ornamental gardens and landscaping, while its medicinal and flavouring properties make it a valuable resource in traditional medicine and food production.
Light Requirements
Clerodendrum bungei Steud. prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. In full sun, it will produce more flowers and better growth, but it can also tolerate some shade. It is essential to avoid placing the plant in an area that receives direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, as this can lead to leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers moderate temperatures, and it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from 15-30°C (60-86°F). It is possible to grow Clerodendrum bungei Steud. in regions with mild winters and hot summers, but the plant can't tolerate frost and freezing temperatures. In regions with harsh winters, the plant should be protected from cold temperatures and strong winds.
Soil Requirements
Clerodendrum bungei Steud. prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. The plant will benefit from a regular supply of nutrients, so it is recommended to fertilize the plant every six weeks during the growing season. However, be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil. It is also essential to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Cultivation
Clerodendrum bungei Steud. is a hardy and fast-growing shrub that thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 11. It prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant grows well in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels.
You can grow the plant from seeds, layering, or stem cuttings. Start the seeds in trays and transplant the seedlings once they reach a height of 2-3 inches. Layering involves bending a branch to the ground and pinning it there, then covering the branch with soil and allowing it to take root. Stem cuttings are taken from healthy plants and rooted in a well-draining potting mix.
Watering Needs
Clerodendrum bungei Steud. requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply every 10-14 days, allowing the water to soak in and reach the roots. The soil should be kept uniformly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce the watering frequency during the dormant season, but ensure the soil does not dry out completely.
Fertilization
Clerodendrum bungei Steud. benefits from regular fertilization to support optimal growth and flowering. Feed the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Reduce or stop fertilization during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps to keep Clerodendrum bungei Steud. in shape and promote healthy growth and flowering. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Cut back any overgrown branches to a healthy bud, and thin out any crowded areas to improve air circulation and light penetration.
Propagation of Clerodendrum bungei Steud.
Clerodendrum bungei Steud. can be propagated through various methods such as:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common methods of propagating Clerodendrum bungei Steud. The seedlings are easy to germinate, and the process must be done during the spring season. The seeds are sown in well-draining soil, and the top of the seed should be visible over the soil. The soil must be moist at all times to aid in the germination process. It takes about 3-6 weeks for the seeds to germinate. After the seedlings reach four inches in height, they are transplanted to a larger pot.
Cuttings Propagation
Clerodendrum bungei Steud. cuttings are also propagated during the spring season. Cuttings are obtained from the mature plant. The tip of the stem that has a minimum of two leaves is ideal. The leaves are removed from the lower portion of the cutting, and rooting hormone is applied to the cut end. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mixture of peat moss and perlite. They are kept moist, and it takes about two to three weeks for the roots to develop.
Division Propagation
Clerodendrum bungei Steud. division propagation can be done in the spring season. It is useful when the plants outgrow their pot. The plant is removed from the container, and the root ball is divided into sections with a sharp knife. Each section must have roots and leaves. The sections are transplanted into individual containers, and it must be well-watered.
Regardless of the propagation method used, the temperature must be between 21 and 29 degrees Celsius. It must be maintained for the first four weeks to aid in the root development. The new transplanted plants should be kept moist but not overwatered. With proper care, the Clerodendrum bungei Steud. plants will flourish.
Disease and Pest Management for Clerodendrum bungei Steud.
Clerodendrum bungei Steud., also known as Glory Bower, is a deciduous shrub native to China. While it is a hardy plant, it is still susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf Spots: This is a fungal disease that causes circular brown patches on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. It is caused by poor air circulation, high humidity, and overwatering. To manage this, prune affected leaves and stems, remove any debris from around the base of the plant, and avoid overhead watering. Applying a copper-based fungicide can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Root Rot: This is a fungal disease caused by overwatering and poor drainage. The roots of the plant become brown and mushy, and the leaves become yellow and wilting. To manage this, reduce watering and ensure proper drainage. Remove affected roots and repot the plant in fresh soil. Applying a fungicide can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to curl and become distorted. To manage this, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock the aphids off the leaves. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be applied to the leaves to kill the insects.
Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and become stippled. To manage this, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to wash off the mites. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be applied to the leaves to kill the pests.
Scale Insects: These are small insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant, sucking sap and causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage this, remove the scales manually using a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be applied to the plant to control the insects.
By being vigilant with these common diseases and pests and using the appropriate management techniques, you can keep your Clerodendrum bungei Steud. healthy and thriving.
