Blue Butterfly Bush (Clerodendrum ugandense)

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: Blue Butterfly Bush
Latin Name: Clerodendrum ugandense
Alternate Names: Rotheca myricoides
Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 9–11 when grown outdoors year round. In colder zones grow as a container plant or annual and protect from frost.
Typical Height: About 3–6 ft (90–180 cm).
Typical Spread: About 3–6 ft (90–180 cm) wide.
Bloom Period: Summer into fall in warm climates.
Soil Preferences: Fertile, moist but well drained soil. Tolerates average garden soils but dislikes waterlogged conditions.
Light Preferences: Full sun to part shade. Best flowering in full sun or bright light with afternoon shade in very hot climates.
Toxicity: Toxicity is not well documented in authoritative sources. Avoid ingestion and contact with broken skin until more information is confirmed.
Propagation: Tip and semi ripe cuttings are the most reliable method. Seed and division are possible but less commonly used.

Key Facts

Tender woody shrub grown for striking blue to violet butterfly shaped flowers.
Also listed under the synonym Rotheca myricoides in some botanical references.
Attracts pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds.
Typically reaches roughly 3–6 ft (90–180 cm) tall.
Performs best in full sun to part shade with well drained fertile soil.
Flowers mainly in summer into fall in warm climates.
Readily propagated from tip and semi ripe cuttings.
Often grown in containers or brought indoors in cooler climates.

Blue Butterfly Bush (Clerodendrum ugandense) is a tender woody shrub with clusters of blue to violet blooms that resemble butterfly wings. It makes a striking patio specimen or warm border plant and is often kept in containers where winters are too cold for year round outdoor growth.

Identification

Leaves are medium green and the plant forms a rounded shrub roughly three to six feet tall and wide in cultivation. Flowers appear in clusters and range from blue to violet, typically opening from summer into fall where frost is absent. Some references list the species under the synonym Rotheca myricoides.

Best uses and where to grow

Use the plant as a focal container specimen, a small border shrub, or a patio accent in warm climates. It performs outdoors year round in USDA zones nine to eleven and is commonly grown in pots or brought indoors in cooler areas to avoid winter loss.

Planting and spacing

Plant in spring after the last frost to give roots a full warm season to establish. Space plants about three to six feet apart to match their mature spread and allow airflow. In containers choose a pot large enough for root growth and plan to repot as the plant fills the pot.

Soil and light

Give the shrub fertile, moist but well drained soil since it dislikes waterlogged sites. It flowers best in full sun or bright light and tolerates some afternoon shade in hot climates. In deep shade expect reduced flowering and slower growth.

Watering and fertility

Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season but avoid standing water to reduce root rot risk. Plants in containers dry faster and need more frequent watering. Feed with a balanced fertilizer during active growth to support flowering and leafy vigor.

Pruning and after flowering care

Prune lightly to shape and encourage bushy growth, cutting back leggy stems in spring. Remove spent flowers to tidy the plant and to encourage continued blooming. In colder climates move container plants indoors before hard frosts and reduce watering during winter rest.

Containers and overwintering

The species adapts well to container culture and is often overwintered indoors in cooler zones. Choose a well drained potting mix and allow the rootball to dry slightly between thorough waterings while inside. Move containers outside after night temperatures stay warm.

Pests and disease notes

Poor drainage increases susceptibility to root rot and general decline. Monitor for common shrub pests and treat promptly if you see damage. Good siting with adequate light and airflow reduces stress and the likelihood of pest or disease problems.

Propagation

Tip and semi ripe cuttings are the most reliable methods and root readily when taken in spring and summer. Seed is possible but may not come true to cultivar and takes longer to reach flowering size. Propagating from cuttings is the quickest way to produce a flowering plant.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Blue Butterfly Bush grow?: Growth is moderate and varies with light and soil. Under good conditions plants commonly reach about three to six feet in cultivation.
Is it hardy outdoors?: Outdoor hardiness generally fits USDA zones nine to eleven. In colder zones grow in containers and move plants indoors for winter protection.
How do I propagate it?: Take tip or semi ripe cuttings in spring and summer. Cuttings root reliably and produce flowering plants faster than seed.
Does it attract pollinators?: Yes the blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds and add pollinator interest to warm season plantings.
Can it be grown in a container?: Yes it performs well in pots. Use a well drained mix and increase watering frequency compared with in ground plantings.