can you grow clerodendrum incisum (musical notes)in london successfully?

Question

its a plant that looks like musical notes when in bud

Answer 1

I've never heard of this plant. Thanks for bringing it to my attention - it looks very intriguing! I found a website with a great picture of one:

http://davesgarden.com/pf/showimage/45327/

The picture was taken in the Philippines - hmmm... tropical and not exactly London like conditions.

But, Hey... I'd buy one and try and create a humid inside location, maybe set it in a bed of stones/pebbles and a little water, near a window or radiator. It's worth try. It's a neat plant!

Answer 2

Don't forget London is one big heat sink. Plant in a sheltered spot facing south, near a house, and you'll get all sorts of tropicals through most winters. I have a wide range of cacti in a damp, unheated conservatory, which will sink to -5C. The books all say you need min 10C, but maybe the plants don't read teh books, and maybe the authors tend to copy each other...


Clerodendrum suckers freely, and will often put up new growth if plant hit by cold, so keep the roots cosy and warm.
And you never know till youtry - don't forget that it was thought Camellias weren't hardy when first introduced to UK.

Answer 3

I think that in the summer and spring, it would be o.k. outside, but when the weather starts to get colder (say 40 degrees and below) then bring it in. Or make cuttings of it and put old fashioned Christmas lights on it that get warm.

And I got a clerodendrum indicum this week from a friend.

Answer 4

Nope, not outside. Yes, in a greenhouse. It's tropical.