Origin
Clerodendrum sanguineum, also known as Harlequin Glorybower, is a shrubby plant species belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa.
Common Names
The plant has a number of common names, including Harlequin Glorybower, Bleeding Glorybower, Bag Flower, and Turk's Turban.
Uses
The plant is commonly cultivated as an ornamental shrub due to its attractive foliage and bright red tubular flowers. It can be used as a hedge, border, or container plant, and is often grown as a specimen plant in gardens and parks. The leaves and bark of the plant have also been used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach and respiratory problems and rheumatism.
General Appearance
Clerodendrum sanguineum is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that can reach a height of up to 3 meters. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a slightly serrated edge, and grow in opposite pairs up the stem. The flowers, which bloom from late summer to early winter, are arranged in large clusters composed of crimson buds that open to reveal bright red tubular flowers.
Typical Growth Conditions of Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum.
Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum is a shrub that needs specific growth conditions to thrive. It grows well in tropical regions, especially in the native range of Madagascar. Here is a breakdown of the typical growth conditions that this plant requires:
Light Requirements
Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum grows well in full sun or partial shade. It requires about six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. When grown in partial shade, it must be protected from strong midday sun to prevent it from drying out.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum is between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate some temperature fluctuations, but not extreme heat or cold. It cannot survive frost, so it should be protected from the cold during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It does not tolerate waterlogged soil, as this can lead to root rot. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant.
In summary, if you want to grow Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum, ensure it is placed in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It also requires a temperature range between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Cultivation methods for Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum.
Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum. is typically propagated through stem cuttings or via layering. The best time to plant the cuttings is in the spring when the plant is getting ready to sprout new growth. The soil should have good drainage, be slightly acidic, and be enriched with compost or other organic matter.
Plant Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum. in an area that receives full sunlight or partially shaded. The plant thrives in temperatures around 70-85°F (21-29°C) and requires moist, well-draining soil. The plant also requires adequate spacing between each plant because it can grow up to 8-10 feet tall and wide.
Watering needs for Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum.
Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum. requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during periods of low rainfall or drought. Ensure that there is good drainage to prevent the plant from getting waterlogged.
Fertilization of Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum.
Fertilize Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum. using a balanced fertilizer that is high in phosphorus, especially during the growing season. It is best to fertilize the plant every three months or as needed. However, ensure you do not over-fertilize the plant as this can lead to excessive foliage growth in place of flowers.
Pruning Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum.
Prune Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum. in the late winter or early spring before the plant begins to sprout new growth. Start by removing any dead or diseased branches, followed by any crossing branches. This will improve the air circulation within the plant and stimulate more growth. You can also prune to shape the plant to the desired size or height. Regular pruning will encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
Propagation Methods for Clerodendrum Sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum.
The Clerodendrum sanguineum (Hiern) K.Schum., also known as bleeding glory-bower, is propagated using various methods such as stem cutting, seed germination, and layering.
Stem Cutting
One of the most common propagation methods for Clerodendrum sanguineum is through stem cutting. The process involves cutting a 6-inch-long stem from the parent plant with sterilized gardening shears. Remove the leaves from the lower 3 inches of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist. Place the pot in a bright, but indirect light indoors until it roots, which can take up to six weeks. Once rooted, move the plant to a sunny location and continue caring for it as normal.
Seed Germination
Clerodendrum sanguineum can also be propagated through seed germination. Collect the seeds from a mature plant and soak them in water for 24 hours. Plant the seeds in seed-starting soil, keep them moist, and cover the pot with plastic wrap. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location until the seeds sprout, which may take about 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown several inches tall, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Layering
Another propagation method for Clerodendrum sanguineum is through layering. This method involves selecting a low and flexible branch from the plant and bending it down to the soil. The branch is then lightly scraped and treated with rooting hormone. A small section of the branch is buried in the soil, and the tip is pulled back up and staked. The new plant will begin to grow from the buried section of the branch, and can be detached from the parent plant once its roots are well-established.
Disease Management
Clerodendrum sanguineum is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and development. Here are some common diseases that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spot Diseases
Leaf spot diseases are caused by fungal pathogens that infect the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow or brown, wither, and eventually fall off. To prevent leaf spot diseases, avoid overhead watering, and ensure proper spacing between plants. You can also apply a fungicide spray to protect the plant.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant, causing them to rot and die. To manage anthracnose, prune off infected plants and improve airflow by pruning neighboring plants or thinning crowded areas in the garden. Apply fungicide if necessary.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by fungi that live in the soil and thrive in waterlogged conditions. It causes the roots of the plant to rot, making it challenging for the plant to take up essential nutrients. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage by adding organic matter or reducing watering frequency. Remove and destroy infected plants.
Pest Management
Clerodendrum sanguineum is also prone to pest infestations that can damage the plant. Here are some common pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Scale Insects
Scale insects are common pests that attach themselves to the plant's stem and leaves, sucking sap and weakening the plant. To manage scale insects, prune off heavily infested branches and apply insecticidal soap or oil spray to kill the pests.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge the pests or apply a systemic insecticide that will kill the insects when they feed on the plant.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths, and they feed on the leaves of the plant, causing damage. To manage caterpillars, pick them off by hand or spray with a biological pesticide that contains Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
