PlantFiles: Starburst Bush, Shooting Star
Clerodendrum quadriloculare

I have zero gardening experience so when I planted my C. quadriloculare 2 years ago I planted it at the corner of my house.It get a mix of sunchine and shade depending on the time of day. The leaves are lovely and large but I have never seen a flower on the bush. Does anyone have any advice? I am Jacksonville Florida (zone 8b/9a I think). Many of you mentioned suckers, what are these? I dont recall seeing anything resembling that, would they appear soon after planting or years later?

Hello.. I first noticed this plant while in the Bahamas and wanted to have it in my own yard one day. Just recently planted 4 shrubs in ground in mid January,fed them bloom enhancing food every 14 days and was able have flowering shrubs by Easter. Since then i have pruned them back, dusted them for bugs,misting the foliage daily and continue to fertilize bi- weekly and they are filling out nicely in preparation for the next bloom season.

A tree form was in the rear garden of the home my wife and I purchased a few years back. Initially, we enjoyed its magnificent blooms. But, eventually, we grew tired of all the suckers ... this tree just wants to take over the universe. This tree is like a weed. It survives most anything, grows fast like a swamp bush and replicates itself everywhere. I cut it down this year.

Avoid it, as there are many more interesting trees and shrubs.

Blooming has begun in middle of January here in Tamarac, FL. I think this small tree/tall bush is one of the most stunning plants I've ever seen. As Art says, they're brittle & very easy to keep in control.

I garden for enjoyment and butterflies. This bush is a favorite of mine. True lots of suckers, but they are easily removed. It is very brittle, I lost one to the hurricanes last summer. It has grown back to almost five feet in seven months. I think this is the best looking flowering plant in my yard.
Last summer and early fall I witnessed many landings of Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma) butterfly on this plant. This butterfly disguises itself as a dead leaf when it closes it's wings. It looks so out of place, with it's dried brown look, hanging from a dark green top, purple bottomed leaf.

Hi
Been trying to get this plant/shrub here in the uk for some time - I live in one of the warmest areas in the uk and would keep this plant in a pot and overwinter. could anyone send me some cuttings or suckers through the post to me - I have seeds to swap.I hope someone can help as i am about to giveup on my quest now

thankyou

Daniel ;-)

Yes, it suckers. Dig them up, pot them and give them away. Their blooms are beautiful and worth the effort. We've had them for years and love them

This Clerodendrum has beautiful foilage, a stiking flower display and is a fast grower! It propagates easily from any hardwood cutting placed directly into the soil.

This one is very difficult to control. It suckers everywhere, even up to five feet away! If you plant this, do not trim it, as trimming seems to encourage suckering.

This shrub has many things going for it, but the constant supervision needed to keep it controlled is a big negative for me.

Sorry IslandJim has had trouble with this plant. The blooms will knock your sox off, and the leaves are striking with purple backs.

Mine is 3 years old but has never suckered. I'll be sure to keep an eye on it, Jim.
MotherNature4

this is the worst suckering plant i was ever suckered [:>)] into planting. only thing i've found capable of controling the suckers is diesel oil.

Grows quickly. Likes full sun. Stunning blooms , easy to grow, keep trimmed to maintain shape.