Starburst, Shooting Star
Striking, to say the least, Clerodendrum (Clerodendron) Quadriloculare is a fairly easy to grow evergreen shrub. Of the family Verbenaceae it is more commonly known as Starburst, Shooting Star or Glorybower. It requires no special care except for training and restraining. Starburst is a sub-tropical plant the family of which is native to Africa and Asia (Pacific Islands).
Plant Facts:
Common Name: Starburst, Shooting Star, Glorybower
Botanical Name: Clerodendrum (Clerodendron) Quadriloculare
Family: Lamiaceae
Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub
Origin: Africa, Asia (Pacific Islands)
Zones: 9 – 11
Height: 10′ or more
Rate of Growth: Fast
Salt Tolerance: Medium
Soil Requirements: Well drained, moist, fertile humus
Water Requirements: Water freely, less water in winter
Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly
Light Requirements: Full sun to Partial shade
Form: Large Bush
Leaves: 6″ or longer — top dark green, bottom dark purple
Flowers: Pink and white, blooms January through February
Fruits: Inedible Berries
Pests: Whiteflies, mealybugs, aphids, common galls, cankers and leaf spots
Uses: Accent bush — show piece
Bad Habits: Invasive by suckering, severe pruning will bring on an outburst of suckers and shoots. Suggest keeping potted to prevent invasion. Clerodendrum (Clerodendron) Quadriloculare will spread — be sure you are ready for the consequences if you plant it in the ground.
*** A patented variety released by Morningstar Nursery called Dwarf Purple leaf ‘Morningstar’ grows to only about 6 feet. The leaves are smaller and ruffled, but produce more flower heads per plant. It is less aggressive and can be maintained as a pruned shrub or hedge without detracting from its performance
Cost: $$ — reasonable
Propagation: cuttings, suckers, seeds
Source: American Horticultural Society A to Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants
