Clerodendrum bungei

Clerodendrum bungei: The Cashmere Bouquet

Background and Family: Clerodendrum bungei, commonly known as Cashmere Bouquet, Mexicali Rose, Mexican Hydrangea, Rose Glory Bower, Glory Bower, or Glory Flower, belongs to the Lamiaceae family of plants.

Origin and Discovery: Clerodendrum bungei is native to China and Southwest Asia. Despite some of its common names referring to Mexico or Hydrangea, it does not originate from Mexico nor is it a member of the Hydrangea genus. The plant was first discovered by Алекса́ндр Андре́евич Бу́нге, Alexander von Bunge (1803-1890), a Russian botanist of German ancestry. In 1831, it was initially identified as Clerodendrum foetidum, but in 1840, Ernst Gottlieb von Steudel, a German physician, renamed it Clerodendrum bungei in honor of Alexander von Bunge’s contributions to botany and his expeditions in Asia and Siberia.

Characteristics: Clerodendrum bungei is a deciduous shrub that adds elegance to any landscape. It features heart-shaped, dark green leaves with toothed edges, reaching a length of approximately 20cm or 8 inches. The leaves, unfortunately, emit an unpleasant scent. However, the plant compensates for this with sweet-scented flowers that bloom in late summer and autumn.

Flowers and Leaves: In late summer and autumn, Clerodendrum bungei produces clusters or corymbs of small terminal flowers, adorning the shrub with vibrant pink hues. Each corymb can grow up to 10cm or 4 inches in diameter. The delightful fragrance of these flowers attracts butterflies, adding to the charm of the plant. While the leaves may have an unpleasant scent, the flowers offer a pleasant aroma.

Cultivation of Clerodendrum bungei:

Sunlight: Clerodendrum bungei thrives in full sun to partial shade. Provide it with a location that receives ample sunlight during the day.

Watering: Regular watering is essential, particularly during the first year after planting. Water deeply once a week, or more frequently in hot, dry weather conditions.

Soil: Plant Clerodendrum bungei in rich, moist, and fertile soil that also offers good drainage. This combination promotes optimal growth and development.

Pests and Diseases: Clerodendrum bungei is generally disease-free and pest-free, making it a low-maintenance plant.

Propagation: Propagate Clerodendrum bungei through seed sowing in spring or by using suckers in autumn or semi-ripe cuttings during summer. These propagation methods allow for easy expansion of your plant collection.

Additional Information

Clerodendrum bungei requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its resilience and attractiveness make it a valuable addition to gardens, borders, and naturalized areas.

Winter Protection: Clerodendrum bungei is hardy in zones 7 to 10. If you live in colder climates, providing winter protection is crucial. Cover the plant with a burlap sack or utilize other protective materials to shield it from cold and harsh weather conditions.

By following these guidelines and providing suitable growing conditions, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of Clerodendrum bungei in your garden for years to come.

Clerodendrum bungei
Cashmere Bouquet or Clerodendrum bungei
Clerodendrum bungei
Clerodendrum bungei

How useful was this?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 4

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Share This Page: