Bridal Veil Clerodendrum

Bridal Veil Clerodendrum (Clerodendrum nutans 'Bridal Veil') is a rambling, fast growing tropical shrub that reaches 2m to 3m tall and about 2m wide, with lush glossy leaves. In autumn it hangs clusters of white, butterfly-like flowers from its branches like a veil. It suits cottage and tropical gardens as a feature plant or a flowering screen.

Why you'll love it

• A hanging autumn display. Clusters of white flowers tumble from the branches in autumn, which lifts a tropical garden when many plants are past their best.
• Quick growth. In a good position it grows fast, reaching about 2.5m.
• Flexible about light. It grows in anything from part shade to full sun, and flowers best in the brighter end of that range.
• Lush foliage. Glossy leaves give a tropical look through the year, in or out of flower.
• A screen that flowers. It screens a fence, a service area or a boundary while also giving a display.

Where it works best

Tropical and cottage gardens. Use it as a feature plant where the hanging flowers can be seen from a path or window.

Flowering screens. Plant 1.5m apart in a row. With a mature width of about 2m the plants meet and form a loose screen.

Sheltered positions. Choose a spot protected from strong wind and harsh afternoon sun, such as the east side of a building or fence.

Growing Bridal Veil Clerodendrum in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in part shade to full sun for maximum flowering, protected from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds. It is frost tender and enjoys humidity, so it suits tropical and subtropical gardens. Gardens that get regular frost are not a good match.

Soil. Free draining soil rich in organic matter suits it best, so dig in compost before planting.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well until the plant is established, then water more often through dry summer heat. Feed with a controlled release fertiliser twice a year.

Pruning. Prune by about half every 2 to 3 years in August, in late winter, to keep the rambling growth tidy and refresh the shrub.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bridal Veil Clerodendrum as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It is the economical way to plant a screen. Expect a small plant on arrival that grows fast once the weather is warm.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Plants for tropical climates
• Plants for subtropical climates
• Shrubs for privacy
• More flowering plants

Common questions

How fast does it grow?

Quickly. In full sun to part shade, protected from harsh afternoon sun and strong wind, it reaches about 2.5m.

Will it survive frost?

No. It is frost tender, so grow it only where frosts are rare or absent, in a sheltered position.

When does it flower?

In autumn, when hanging clusters of white butterfly-like flowers cover the branches.