This tropical evergreen shrub is also known as pagoda flower and giant salvia and is native to Java where it grows in forest clearings in the low mountains. It is a member of the deadnettle family, Lamiaceae, that also includes beebalm, adjuga and mint. Plants grow 10-12′ in the their native habitat but 3-4 in American gardens, and 2-3′ in containers. The velvety leaves are heart-shaped, 8-10″ long, and are densely covered with soft hairs. They are dark green on the top side but may have a grayish exude on the lower side. The tubular orange-red flowers are 2-3″ long and are carried in dense panicles up to 18″ long from late summer to fall. They are attractive to butterflies and give way to red fruits that are purple to black as they mature. The genus name, Clerodendrum, comes from the Greek words kleros meaning chance and dendron meaning tree and may refer to the variable medicinal qualities of the plants. The specific epithet, speciosissimum, is the superlative of the Latin adjective speciosus, and means very showy.
Type:Flowering evergreen shrub
Outstanding Feature: Flowers
Form:Rounded
Light:Full sun to partial shade
Soil:Fertile, consistently moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 9-10
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation:Seed, summer cuttings, layering, and division
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Karen Meyers