Blue Butterfly Bush Plant Care
Clerodendrum ugandense Prain
Rotheca myricoides or Butterfly Clerodendrum, Butterfly Bush, and is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to tropical eastern Africa and widely cultivated elsewhere.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full sun
65–80°F
50–70%
What Is the Blue Butterfly Bush?
Blue Butterfly Bush (Clerodendrum ugandense) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Clerodendrum genus. Blue Butterfly Bush is native to tropical eastern Africa and widely cultivated else. Blue Butterfly Bush is also known as Butterfly Bush.
Blue Butterfly Bush displays a fast-growing, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 inches tall with a spread of approximately 8 inches. Blue Butterfly Bush produces showy clusters of red, pink, or white tubular flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Blue Butterfly Bush?
Clerodendrum ugandense requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Blue Butterfly Bush Need?
Blue Butterfly Bush thrives in partial shade to full sun light conditions. The optimal light range is 1000–3000 lux. Avoid placing Blue Butterfly Bush in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
1000–3000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Blue Butterfly Bush Prefer?
Clerodendrum ugandense grows best at temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. Blue Butterfly Bush prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Blue Butterfly Bush?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Blue Butterfly Bush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Blue Butterfly Bush?
Repot annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Blue Butterfly Bush?
Blue Butterfly Bush can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bleeding heart vine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
Is the Blue Butterfly Bush Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to Pets & Children
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Blue Butterfly Bush?
Blue Butterfly Bush 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Blue Butterfly Bush Need?
Blue Butterfly Bush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. Native to tropical eastern Africa and widely cultivated else, Blue Butterfly Bush is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Blue Butterfly Bush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Blue Butterfly Bush is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Clerodendrum genus — compare its care with other Clerodendrum species on PlantoScan.
Blue Butterfly Bush tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Clerodendrum Species
Other Clerodendrum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
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