Clerodendrum umbellatum is a scandent African shrub of the family Lamiaceae, but previously placed in Verbenaceae. It is found in Tropical Africa, Central America and Tropical Asia, its distribution being to some extent anthropogenic, and is often planted for its showy flowers. The genus Clerodendrum is large with more than 300 species currently accepted.This climber, first described in 1804 by Jean Louis Marie Poiret, has slender, finely pubescent branches. Leaves are oblong to ovate-elliptic, with entire margins, an acute apex, and subcordate base; petiole is from 2–8 cm in length. Inflorescence of umbellate cymes is terminal and many-flowered. The fragrant flowers may be red or white, with a pink or red tinge to the centre. Calyx cup-shaped, with 5 lobes; corolla-tube puberulous, also 5-lobed. Drupe bluish-black, enclosed by a red calyx, and splitting into 4 pyrenes when mature.
Umbel clerodendrum is resistant to disease and generally not susceptible to illnesses. With regard to care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. Planted outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller specimens, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Umbel clerodendrumt is appropriate for anyone who has an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand extensive gardening experience.
How to keep Clerodendrum Umbellatum.
Light
Umbel clerodendrum originates from habitats like forest understories and rocky areas, where it occurs under natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, demonstrating its adaptable, hardy nature.
Temperature
Umbel clerodendrum comes from tropical areas where the climate is generally warm and humid. As a result, it is well suited to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a steady thermal environment, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It usually cannot withstand cold and needs higher temperatures to grow. If the ambient temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing is essential for the care of Umbel clerodendrum. Regular feeding during the growing season preserves the energy required for its showy leaves and supports overall growth. Neglecting to fertilize can lead to unhealthy foliage, reduced ornamental value, and stunted or weak growth that is more prone to breaking.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Clerodendrum
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 0.91 m to 3.05 m
- Mature Spread
- 0.91 m to 2.13 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green, Forest Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Harvest Time
- Fall, Early winter, Mid winter
- Native Area
- Sudan, Nigeria, Congo, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Benin, Mali, Chad, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Liberia, Burundi, Togo, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Côte d'Ivoire, Congo (DRC), Central African Republic
Other names.
