Does it need full sun?

It prefers partial shade to filtered sunlight for the best foliage color.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, it grows well in containers if given plenty of space and consistent moisture.

Plant guide

Pagoda flower.

Clerodendrum paniculatum

Pronounced kler-oh-DEN-drum pan-ik-yoo-LAY-tum

Also known as Pagoda Flower, pagoda-flower

The pagoda flower is a stunning tropical shrub known for its large, pyramid shaped clusters of bright orange or red blooms. It adds a wonderful splash of color to warm gardens and thrives in humid environments. You will love how it attracts butterflies to your outdoor space.

Another photo of Pagoda flower — Photo by deepachandran (CC BY-SA) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Tropical shrub
Light: Partial shade to bright filtered light
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 4 to 8 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Summer to early autumn

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to mimic its native tropical habitat. Watch for wilting leaves as a sign that the plant needs more water or higher humidity. Prune back after flowering to encourage a bushier shape and more blooms next season.

Watering: Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back the stems after the flowers fade to maintain a tidy appearance.
Repotting: Move to a slightly larger container once the roots begin to fill the current pot.
Soil: Rich, well draining, organic soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: 10 to 35°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in

Safety

People: All parts of this plant are considered toxic if ingested.
Pets: This plant is generally considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant away from small children as the foliage and berries are toxic if eaten.
Contact allergens: The leaves may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant reports of respiratory allergies associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for consumption and may cause digestive upset.

How to identify it

Large, pyramid shaped flower clusters
Bright orange or red petals
Broad, lobed, heart shaped leaves
Square stems typical of Lamiaceae
Upright, woody shrub growth habit

Height: 0.9 to 1.8m
Spread: 0.6 to 1.2m
Leaves: green, evergreen
Flowers: red, orange, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: blue, black, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Aphids · Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck plant sap.
Spider mites · Tiny pests that thrive in dry conditions and cause stippling on leaves.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, division
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: In cooler regions, bring containers indoors before the first frost. Keep the soil lightly moist and provide bright, indirect light throughout the winter months.
In containers: It grows well in large containers of at least 30 centimeters in diameter to accommodate its root system.

Stem Cuttings

1. Take a 10 centimeter cutting from a healthy stem in summer.
2. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
3. Plant in a moist, well draining potting mix.
4. Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity until roots form.

Group this plant with other moisture loving tropicals to create a humid microclimate.

Grows well with

Ginger · They share similar requirements for shade and consistent moisture.
Caladium · The bold foliage of caladiums complements the large leaves of the pagoda flower.

Similar species

Bleeding Heart Vine · A related vine with similar cultural needs and showy flowers.

Science

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Clerodendrum
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Tropical Asia
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

It thrives in warm, humid forest understories where it spreads through suckering roots.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: butterflies, bees
Uses: ornamental shrub, tropical garden accent, pollinator garden

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: It prefers partial shade to filtered sunlight for the best foliage color.
Can I grow it in a pot?: Yes, it grows well in containers if given plenty of space and consistent moisture.

Where the name comes from

The name Clerodendrum is derived from the Greek words kleros, meaning chance, and dendron, meaning tree. The specific epithet paniculatum refers to the large, branched flower clusters known as panicles.

Good to know

It spreads via underground runners, making it quite vigorous in tropical climates.
The genus name comes from the Greek words for chance and tree.
It is a popular plant for attracting swallowtail butterflies.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on October 24, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.