Musical Note Plant

Musical Note Plant (Rotheca incisa) is a fast-growing, leafy shrub 1 to 1.5m tall and 1.5m wide that flowers right through the warmer months. Curled buds open into flat clusters of white, butterfly-like flowers held on very long stems. It is a close relative of Clerodendrum 'Bridal Veil', in a more compact and versatile size.

Why you'll love it

• Months of white butterflies. The flowers keep coming through the warm months on very long stems that nod and sway in a breeze.
• Quick growth. A fast grower that fills out into a lush, leafy shrub within a season or two.
• Compact and versatile. At up to 1.5m it suits a feature spot, a mixed bed or a large container.
• Low maintenance. It needs an occasional light clip, a spring feed and a fresh layer of mulch.
• A curious flower. The curled buds suggest musical notes, hence the common name.

Where it works best

Feature shrub. Give it room to develop its full shape and allow 1.2m between plants.

Mixed flower beds. A leafy shrub that adds a long season of white among colourful perennials.

Large containers. Pot it in rich mix and keep it watered through summer for a tall, flowering display on a patio.

Growing Musical Note Plant in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with some afternoon shade welcome in hot inland gardens. It suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates. It is tender to frost, so in cold-winter areas choose a sheltered corner or grow it in a pot that can move under cover.

Soil. Free-draining, organically rich soil with a good layer of mulch. Dig compost through the planting hole before you plant.

Water and feed. Regular water and rich soil give the lushest growth and the most flowers. Feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring and add a fresh layer of mulch at the same time.

Pruning. Give it a light clip to maintain shape if necessary, otherwise it asks for very little. Some leaf shedding is normal.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Musical Note Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and also in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Young plants grow quickly in warm weather, so plant out once the cold has passed and water in well.

Our grower supplies the tube stock, and it is not always on hand. A sold out tube simply means the grower has none today, and the notify button on this page sends you an email the day it is available again.

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

• Flowering plants
• Plants for subtropical climates
• Designing a lush tropical garden
• How to repot your plants like a pro

Common questions

Why is it dropping leaves?

Rotheca can shed leaves from time to time, and this is normal. If the plant is otherwise growing and flowering, no action is needed beyond regular water and mulch.

How is it related to Bridal Veil?

Both are Clerodendrum relatives with fast, leafy growth and white flowers. Musical Note Plant is the more compact of the two.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. Large containers suit it. Use a rich potting mix, water regularly and feed with slow release fertiliser in spring.