Plant Care Guide

Blue Butterfly Bush

Clerodendrum ugandense

The Blue Butterfly Bush is a tropical flowering shrub adored for its delicate, sky-blue and violet blooms that resemble tiny butterflies fluttering along its arching stems. Native to Eastern Africa, this plant blooms continuously from spring through fall in warm climates and becomes a striking specimen in borders, mixed beds, or large containers. Indoors, it acts as a showy, long-blooming houseplant when given enough light. 

Although graceful in appearance, the blue butterfly bush is an easy-care plant: low maintenance, tolerant of different light levels, and reliably floriferous when watered well. Its airy, slightly lanky habit benefits from regular pruning, which encourages fuller branching and heavier flowering. Given warmth, moisture, and periodic feeding, it will reward growers with months of whimsical “blue butterfly” blossoms. 

Watering Requirements

Blue butterfly bush enjoys evenly moist soil during the growing season and appreciates consistent hydration. However, it does not like to sit in waterlogged conditions, as roots can rot if soil stays saturated. 

Watering Schedule 

  • Spring–Summer (active growth): Water twice weekly, keeping soil evenly moist but not soggy 
  • Fall–Winter: Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry slightly between waterings 
  • Outdoor Plants: Water deeply during hot periods 
  • Indoor Plants: Use room-temperature water to avoid root shock 

Signs of Overwatering 

  • Yellowing leaves 
  • Wilting despite wet soil 
  • Mushy stems 

Signs of Underwatering 

  • Crispy leaf edges 
  • Drooping foliage 
  • Slow or stalled blooming 

Pro Tips

In winter, err on the dry side. This plant slows its growth and is far more likely to suffer from rot than drought.

Light Requirements

This plant performs beautifully in everything from partial shade to full sun, but more sun means more blooms. 

Ideal Light Conditions 

  • Outdoors: Full sun to part shade (4–6+ hours per day) 
  • Indoors: South-, east-, or west-facing windows are ideal 
  • Best Results: Move indoor plants outdoors during warm months 

Signs of Too Much Sun 

  • Faded or bleached leaves 
  • Scorching in extreme heat 

Signs of Too Little Light 

  • Sparse flowering 
  • Leggy stems 
  • Thin, pale foliage 

Pro Tips

If flowering slows indoors, increase light. This is the #1 cause of weak bloom performance in clerodendrum.

Soil & Potting

Blue butterfly bush prefers soil that holds moisture but still drains well. 

Best Soil Mix 

  • Quality potting mix with organic matter 
  • Add perlite for drainage if soil compacts easily 
  • pH tolerant (slightly acidic through neutral to mildly alkaline) 

Container Growing 

This plant thrives in containers, which also make overwintering easier. 

  • Choose a large pot (roots need room) 
  • Ensure multiple drainage holes 
  • Repot every 1–2 years or when rootbound 

Pro Tips

For containers, line the bottom with a layer of pebbles or use chunky soil components. This prevents soggy soil at the root zone.

Fertilizing

Blue butterfly bush is a moderate feeder, regular fertilizing improves bloom production. 

Fertilizer Schedule 

  • Spring–Summer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer twice monthly 
  • Fall–Winter: Reduce feeding by half or pause if plant slows down 

Signs of Nutrient Deficiency 

  • Pale, weak foliage 
  • Stunted growth 
  • Reduced flowering 

Pro Tips

Overfeeding promotes lanky growth; when in doubt, use diluted fertilizer more frequently rather than strong fertilizer infrequently.

Pruning & Maintenance

Clerodendrum has an open, airy habit and benefits from regular shaping. 

When to Prune 

  • Early–Mid Spring: Cut back plants to encourage dense branching 
  • Anytime During Growing Season: Light shaping is fine and often encourages more blooms 

General Maintenance 

  • Remove spent blooms to encourage new flowers 
  • Trim leggy stems 
  • Prune hard yearly to control size (plants can reach 6–10 ft outdoors) 

Pro Tips

Pruning stimulates new lateral branches, and this plantblooms on new growth, so pruning always increases flower production.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow Leaves 

Cause: Overwatering or compacted soil 

Solution: Improve drainage, allow soil to dry slightly 

Leggy Growth 

Cause: Low light or lack of pruning 

Solution: Increase light and pinch or prune stems 

Lack of Flowers 

Cause: Not enough sun, inconsistent watering, or low fertilizer 

Solution: Increase light, resume feeding, prune lightly 

Pests 

Most common pests: 

  • Whiteflies 
  • Spider mites 
  • Aphids 

Solution: Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or strong water spray for mild cases. 

Pro Tips

If blooming slows suddenly, check for spider mites. This plant is highly attractive to them when humidity is low.