Rotheca myricoides - How to grow & care

Rotheca myricoides growing shrub‎ to vine of the genus Rotheca also known as Butterfly bush or Clerodendrum myricoides, Rotheca myricoides perennial evergreen plant, used as ornamental hedge plant, can grow in tropic, mediterranean, subtropical or temperate climate and growing in hardiness zone 9 +.

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Leaves color green in oval shape.

Rotheca myricoides flower

Flower color can be: white, blue, purple or more than one color, the flowers in butterfly shape with one petal in the bottom.

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How to grow Rotheca myricoides growing and care:

Moist soil, rich soil

What is the best way to start growing?
Plant / Seed / Vegetative reproduction

Is it necessary to graft or use vegetative reproduction?
No, but for specific color it’s is recommend

Difficulties or problems when growing:
?

Planting season:
Spring (in cold climate only in the spring) / Summer / Autumn

Pests and diseases:
?

Pruning season:
Autumn / Winter

How to prune:
Just for design

Size of the plant:
50-130cm, 1.5-4 feet

Growth speed in optimal condition:
Fast growing / Medium growing

Water requirement:
Average amount of water / Big amount of water

Light conditions in optimal condition for growing:
Half shade / Full sun

Is it possible to grow indoor as houseplant?
No

Growing is also possible in a planter /flowerpot / containers:
Yes

Blooming information

Bloom season?
Spring / Summer / Autumn

General information about the flower:
Butterfly shape flower in blue, purple, white or more than one color

Scientific name:

Rotheca myricoides

Categories

Blooming Seasons	Autumn flowers Spring flowers Summer flowers
Flower colors	Blue flower Purple flower White flower
Climate	Mediterranean Climate Subtropics Climate Temperate Climate Tropics Climate
Ornamental parts	Ornamental flower Ornamental leaves Ornamental plant
Plant growing speed	Average growing plants Fast growing plants
Plant life-form	Evergreen Perennial plant Shrub Vine
Plant Uses	Hedging plants Ornamental plants
Planting Season	Autumn Planting Spring Planting Summer planting
Plants sun exposure	Part shade Plants Shade Plants
Watering plants	Big amount of water Regularly water
Hardiness zone	Hardiness zone 10 Hardiness zone 11 Hardiness zone 12 Hardiness zone 13 Hardiness zone 9

Growing in Pots, Balconies & Indoors

The blue butterfly bush is a tender evergreen shrub (50-130 cm) with striking blue “butterfly” flowers. The grower does not treat it as a classic houseplant, but it is a fine patio container plant that can be moved to a bright window or conservatory to escape the cold.

Quick Details

Container Size: A medium pot to match the shrub – around 10-20 L, potting up as it grows

Indoor Suitability: Not a true houseplant, but a very bright, sunny window can hold a compact one, and it overwinters indoors well

Best Spot: Full sun to part shade

Soil & Drainage: Rich, free-draining potting or peat-and-perlite mix

Watering in Pots: Average to generous; keep evenly moist, never waterlogged

Indoors & On the Windowsill

As a windowsill / overwintering plant: The grower does not count it as a houseplant, but because it is tender it is often potted so it can spend winter in a bright, warm room or conservatory. Give it the sunniest window you have – in weak light it grows leggy and shy to flower.

Overwintering: This is the main reason to pot it in cold climates – lift it out of frost and keep it just ticking over until warmth returns.

On a Balcony or Patio

Light & wind: Full sun to part shade brings the best flowering; shelter it from strong wind and check moisture often, as pots against warm walls dry quickly.

Choosing the Pot, Soil & Long-Term Care

Pot & drainage: A pot with strong drainage holes and no standing saucer. Terracotta breathes and dries faster; glazed or plastic holds moisture longer.

Potting mix: A rich, well-aerated mix – potting or peat with perlite.

Feeding & repotting: Feed through the growing season, and refresh the mix or pot on every couple of years, lightly pruning top and roots to keep it in bounds.

Bloom & Flower Guide

Quick Details

Bloom Season: Spring through summer into autumn

Flower Appearance: Striking blue-and-violet flowers shaped like a butterfly – four paler upper petals and one deep-blue lower “wing”, with long, arching stamens like antennae

Edibility: Ornamental – not eaten

Detailed Blooming Overview

The blue butterfly bush (Rotheca myricoides, formerly Clerodendrum myricoides) blooms over a long, warm season. Each flower really does resemble a small blue butterfly, complete with curving “antennae” of stamens, making it a favourite ornamental hedge or feature plant.

Flower Characteristics

Blue and violet colouring – sometimes white or bicoloured.

Butterfly form with a single deeper lower petal and prominent, curving stamens.

Bloom Care & Thinning

For continuous bloom: Flowers on new growth in warmth and sun; a light prune keeps it tidy and encourages fresh flowering wood.

Feeding: Feed and water steadily through the growing season for the best display.