Lucky Clerodendrum Plant Care

Lucky Clerodendrum (Clerodendrum fortunatum) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Clerodendrum genus. Lucky Clerodendrum is native to parts of Southeast China, Philippines, and Vietnam.

Lucky Clerodendrum displays a fast-growing, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Lucky Clerodendrum produces showy clusters of red, pink, or white tubular flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Lucky Clerodendrum every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Lucky Clerodendrum thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Clerodendrum fortunatum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Lucky Clerodendrum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Lucky Clerodendrum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Lucky Clerodendrum every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Lucky Clerodendrum is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Lucky Clerodendrum can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Lucky Clerodendrum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Lucky Clerodendrum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Lucky Clerodendrum can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pagoda flower plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Lucky Clerodendrum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Lucky Clerodendrum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Lucky Clerodendrum is native to parts of Southeast China, Philippines, and Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Lucky Clerodendrum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.