Pagoda flower Clerodendrum paniculatum
Pagoda flower (Clerodendrum paniculatum) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family, native to Southern China and Indochina to Malesia. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Pagoda flower in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Pagoda flower at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 13–26 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern China and Indochina to Malesia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Pagoda flower toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No reliable toxicity data.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Pagoda flower
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Pagoda flower
- How far apart should I plant Pagoda flower?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does Pagoda flower need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pagoda flower need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pagoda flower?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Pagoda flower flower?
- From about June for 13–26 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Pagoda flower poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. No reliable toxicity data.
- What grows well with Pagoda flower?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pagoda flower. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- A soft-wooded shrub crowned in the rainy season by tiered, pagoda-shaped heads of small scarlet flowers that butterflies love. Suckers to form a clump.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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