Garden Care Guide

Clerodendrum bungei Care

Clerodendrum bungei

A deciduous shrub grown for its pink, fragrant flower clusters that open in late summer and autumn. It tends to spread very aggressively by sending up shoots from its roots (suckering) and needs to be kept under control.

Half-hardy · -15 °C / 5 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: Not required; winter precipitation is sufficient.
  • Pruning: Not needed. The end of the month is the best time for the main pruning.
  • General care: The best time to control spread by pulling up unwanted shoots that spread from the roots.
  • Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -15 °C.
February
  • Watering: Not needed; rainfall is sufficient.
  • Pruning: **CRITICAL PERIOD:** At the end of the month, before new growth starts, prune the plant hard. Cut all stems to 15-30 cm above ground. This keeps the plant under control and encourages abundant flowering.
  • General care: Clear away pruning debris. Continue removing root suckers.
  • Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -15 °C.
March
  • Watering: Keep the soil moist; if there is no rain, water every 15 days (30 L/m²).
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
  • Pruning: Prune just before the shoots break. Because flowers form on this year's new shoots, hard pruning increases flowering.
  • Plant protection: Check the newly emerging shoots for aphids.
  • General care: New shoots come up quickly both from the pruned spot and from the roots. Keep removing unwanted root suckers.
  • Pests & diseases: Watch out for aphids.
April
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • Plant protection: If needed, use neem oil or a suitable insecticide against aphids.
  • General care: Growth is very fast. Continue checking for root suckers.
May
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Fertilizing: Optionally, a potassium-heavy liquid fertilizer can be given once at the start of the month to encourage flowering.
  • General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
June
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
  • Plant protection: In hot and dry weather, check the undersides of the leaves for whiteflies and spider mites.
  • General care: The plant is preparing to flower, and buds are forming. Continue to check for root suckers.
  • Pests & diseases: Be vigilant for whiteflies and red spider mites.
July
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
  • Plant protection: Continue monitoring for whiteflies and red spider mites.
  • General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
August
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
  • Pruning: Not needed. You can cut the flowers for a vase.
  • General care: Flowering reaches its peak. Keeping root suckers under control is an ongoing job.
September
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Pruning: Not needed; enjoy the flowers.
  • Plant protection: Check the undersides of leaves for whiteflies.
  • General care: It is the time when its fragrant flowers are at their best. Continue pulling out the root suckers, otherwise it will take over the garden.
  • Pests & diseases: Whiteflies may be the most common problem.
October
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • General care: Flowering ends and the plant gradually prepares for rest.
November
  • Watering: Not required; autumn precipitation is sufficient.
  • General care: Collect fallen leaves; many disease agents and pests overwinter under leaves.
  • Pests & diseases: Clearing fallen leaves prevents fungal diseases from carrying over to next year.
  • Frost risk: The first frosts kill the leaves and the remaining flowers.
December
  • General care: The plant is in full dormancy.
  • Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -15 °C.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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