Mexican Hydrangea - Beautiful but Invasive
Also Known as Mexicali Rose, Rose Glory Bower and Cashmere Bouquet
Aug 12, 2008
Mexican Hydrangea (Clerodendrum bungei) is a perennial herbaceous shrub that grows between four and six feet tall.
Fragrant, Pink Flowers
The pink flowers which appear in mid-summer, grow in panicles three to four inches across. They are extremely fragrant and do well as cut flowers.
Beautiful but Smelly Leaves
The leaves of the plant, however, are a different story.The leaves are attractive. They are large (four to eight inches long and perhaps four to six inches wide), spade or heart-shaped, bluish green, with slightly lighter venal coloring. The leaves are opposing and are a perfect color, size and shape juxtaposition to the amazing pink flowers. However, when brushed or crushed, they give off an unpleasant “vitamin” smell, which may explain why deer and other animals shun the plants. Even goats won’t touch it. Interestingly, there is a second botanical name for this plant, Clerodendrum foetidum. Foetidum is Latin for “stinky.”
What makes this plant attractive for waterwise and desert gardens is that it tolerates a wide variety of soil qualities. It thrives in soils with pH values ranging from 5.6 to 7.8. And it can survive from USDA cold hardiness zone 7 a (0 F) to zone 11, which is a wide geographical area.
Invasive
One thing to remember about this plant: it can be invasive. The flower heads produce copious seeds. The seeds are best planted right away, so if flowers go to seed on the plant and are allowed to dry (which takes only a few days with Clerodendrums), gardeners will find themselves inundated with baby plants.
Rootball
The sames goes for the rootball. The plant also spreads by runners, which form individual plants quickly.
There is a consolation for the plant being so productive. Digging them up and potting them is easy and neighbors and friends are generally grateful, providing they are told about how quickly the plant spreads.
How to Plant
Plant Mexican Hydrangea in spring three to four feet apart. It grows quickly and flowers in early to mid summer. It likes sun, but does extremely well in partial shade. It does need regular water, but does not like to be overwatered.
Great for Accent
It makes for a great accent plant, nestled between dwarf bamboo, irises, and Mexican heather, with perhaps some groundcover of Australian violets and oregano. The shape of the leaves, color of the flowers and size of the plant give the garden a tropical look.
Many gardeners prefer to have the plant restrained, opting to pot it instead of putting it into the ground.
Wisely, this will save the gardener the task of pulling out the plantlets. But it will also inhibit the formation of the plantlets in the container.
Choose which you prefer, and then plant accordingly.
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