The plant of the month for November is Clerodendron Bungei.

There are some 400 or so varieties of Clerodendron all members of the verbenaceae family. They include trees, shrubs and climbers and can be found in the wild in Africa and Asia, in tropical and sub-tropical regions within forests.

They are grown for their beautiful flowers. The leaves either appear all around the stem at any one point, or grow in pairs on either side of the stem. Shrubs of this family are a showy addition to any garden in a hot climate.

Climbers perform well on pergolas or other supports. Some varieties cannot withstand frost and must be kept indoors in the winter.

Clerodendron bungei is a deciduous shrub which spreads easily and can be invasive. It comes from China and northern India but, thanks to its spreading habit, it can now be found growing wild in South America, Mexico and the USA

It can grow to a height of 2m and cover a larger area extremely quickly. It grows on a single upright stem with oval leaves 20cm in length. The leaves themselves are held on longish stems and they have serrated edges.

The flowers form tight round bunches some 20cm in diameter and are pink or white. The white form resembles a posy of small rosebuds and both types have a light, pleasant scent. Flowers bloom from the beginning of summer until the first frost.

In the winter the plant sheds its leaves leaving only the main stem which actually looks dead. Propagation is from soft wood cuttings or separation of roots from the spreading plant.

In landscaping terms this rapidly spreading plant needs to be placed where it can be contained. It likes damp soil and will thrive in sun or shade, with minimal care. It is used for its flowers which, when open across a large planting, always catch the eye.

The Palm Centre, Koycegeiz

For a wide range of special plants visit the areas best nursery, The Palm Centre at Köyceğiz.

It is open daily between 1st June – 31st October but you can visit at any other time by appointment.

Access to plant sales is free but a fee is payable to look around the extensive nursery.

Just ring or email (English is spoken):

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Tel : +90 252 262 28 92

Fax : +90 252 262 51 61

Website : http://www.palmiyemerkezi.com