Clerodendrum bungei Pink Diamond

The Clerodendrum bungei 'Pink Diamond' is a small deciduous and suckering bush, with a compact habit, that can be easily grown in a pot or in the ground in a sheltered area from the wind. The dark green foliage variegated with cream white contributes to the uniqueness of this Clerodendron. At the end of summer, it takes over from other plants in the garden and reveals a beautiful flowering with large dark pink pompoms, highly scented, followed by decorative blue-green berries. Planted in a fresh, rich and well-drained soil, this bush will reveal all of its beauty!

The Clerodendrum bungei, also known as Foetid Clerodendron because of its foliage that emits an unpleasant odour when crushed, is a bush native to China and the Himalayas. Clerodendrons are one of the few Clerodendrons that can thrive in temperate climates. Its numerous upright stems form a small bush with a rounded appearance, about 2 m (6 ft 7 in) tall, resembling the silhouette of hydrangea. It spreads quickly through suckers to form dense copse, which can become invasive if the shoots are not removed. This little inconvenience is quickly forgotten when, at the end of summer, the bush is adorned with many globe-shaped flower heads of deep red garnet, giving rise to small star-shaped flowers in a true pink colour that open one by one. This flowering occurs in the form of terminal panicles composed of tubular flowers with very prominent stamens grouped in large corymbs of 12-15 cm (4.7-5.9 in). They emit a powerful scent that will attract pollinating insects to your garden. The flowers then give way to dark blue berries bordered by dark red calyces, blending with the dark green foliage to offer a colourful spectacle!

Derived from horticultural breeding, the Clerodendrum bungei 'Pink Diamond' is smaller than the typical species. When fully grown, it does not exceed 1.20m (3 ft 11 in) in height and spread and can therefore easily be grown in a pot to decorate a terrace or balcony. The uniqueness of Clerodendrum bungei 'Pink Diamond' also lies in its decorative foliage, olive-green variegated with cream white, which is very interesting for adding colour to a flowerbed or brightening up a terrace during the warm season. As with all Bunge Clerodendrons, the leaves are deciduous, heart-shaped, opposite, thick, toothed, and velvety with prominent veins. They measure between 15 and 20 cm (5.9 and 7.9 in). At the end of August until October, when most plants in the garden are finishing their flowering, Clerodendrum bungei 'Pink Diamond' is covered with many flowers that blend with its delightful foliage.

Plant Clerodendrum bungei 'Pink Diamond' in a deep, rich, fresh, and well-drained hole in a sheltered area from the wind. For this, plant it in a mixture of garden soil, leaf mould, and sand enriched with organic improvers. Water generously for the first two years after planting and regularly during the growing season. In a pot, provide good drainage with clay pellets placed at the bottom of the container and plant it in a mixture of horticultural compost and garden soil. Apply fertiliser every 2 weeks during the growing season and water very regularly.

Pruning of Clerodendrum bungei 'Pink Diamond' is done at the end of winter, in March-April, to cut back the branches to about 1/4 of their length. This allows the maintaining of a compact habit and promotes generous flowering, which occurs on the new growth.

Thanks to its modest size, Clerodendrum bungei 'Pink Diamond' looks stunning on a terrace or balcony, where it will amaze with its colourful foliage and exuberant flowering. In regions with mild winters, it is perfect for a shaded flowerbed, accompanied for example by a 'Cherry Cola' Heuchera for its red foliage, a 'Pumila' Chinese Astilbe for its beautiful pink spike flowers, or a 'Honorine Jobert' Japanese Anemone whose white flowers will enhance the vibrancy of the Clerodendron's colours. Don't miss out on the fragrance of Clerodendrum bungei 'Pink Diamond' by placing it near a living or passing area!