Mexican Hydrangea, Clerodendrum Bungei

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Mexican Hydrangea, Clerodendrum Bungei, botanically known as Clerodendrum bungei, is a fast-growing, flowering shrub admired for its large, hydrangea-like clusters of fragrant pink flowers and bold tropical-looking foliage. Despite the common name, it is not a true hydrangea. This plant is excellent for garden borders, wildlife gardens, and semi-tropical landscapes. With the right care, it becomes a stunning, low-maintenance flowering shrub.

Mexican Hydrangea Clerodendrum Bungei Care Guide :

Light Requirements

Mexican Hydrangea grows best in full sun to partial shade. It flowers most heavily when it receives at least 5–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch and keeps the foliage fresh. Too much shade leads to leggy growth and reduced flowering.

Temperature and Climate
This plant prefers warm, humid climates and performs well in tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives in temperatures between 18–32°C. It can tolerate mild cold but may die back to the ground in cooler winters. The roots often survive and send up new shoots in spring. In colder regions, it behaves like a perennial that regrows each year.

Soil Requirements
Mexican Hydrangea prefers well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. It adapts to many soil types, including loamy and slightly sandy soils, as long as drainage is good. Avoid heavy clay that stays waterlogged. Mixing compost or leaf mold into the soil improves growth and flowering performance.

Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water deeply when the top 3–5 cm of soil becomes dry. Established plants tolerate short dry spells, but prolonged drought reduces flowering and causes leaf drop. During hot weather, more frequent watering may be necessary. Good mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulate root temperature.

Humidity
This plant enjoys moderate to high humidity, but it is adaptable and generally does fine in normal outdoor humidity levels. In very dry conditions, leaf edges may brown slightly. Regular watering and mulching usually solve this issue.

Fertilizing
Feed Mexican Hydrangea with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Apply once in early spring and again in mid-summer. You can also use organic compost or liquid feed every 4–6 weeks. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning and Growth Control
Clerodendrum bungei is a vigorous spreader that produces underground suckers. Pruning is important to keep it under control. Cut back hard in late winter or early spring to encourage bushy new growth and abundant blooms. Remove unwanted suckers regularly if you want to limit its spread. It can be shaped easily and responds well to trimming.

Flowering
The plant produces large clusters of bright pink, star-shaped flowers with a pleasant fragrance, usually from mid-summer through autumn. The blooms attract butterflies and pollinators. Deadheading is not strictly necessary but can encourage continued blooming and a neater appearance.

Propagation
Mexican Hydrangea is very easy to propagate through root suckers, stem cuttings, or division. The simplest method is lifting and replanting the young shoots that emerge around the mother plant. Softwood cuttings root quickly in moist growing medium.

Pests and Problems
This plant is generally hardy but may occasionally face aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Treat early with neem oil or mild insecticidal soap. Root rot can occur if soil remains waterlogged. Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage.

Landscape Uses
Mexican Hydrangea works well as a background shrub, flowering hedge, or pollinator plant. Because of its spreading habit, give it enough space or plant it where naturalizing is acceptable. It is excellent for tropical-style gardens and mixed shrub borders.

With sunlight, moisture, and occasional pruning, Mexican Hydrangea rewards growers with bold foliage and beautiful, fragrant flower clusters year after year.