Blue Butterfly Bush Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense'
ABOUT
Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense', commonly known as blue butterfly bush, is a visually striking plant known for its remarkable flowers and foliage. The leaves of the plant are a glossy green color, providing a lustrous backdrop for the blooms. The shape of the leaves are elongated with a slightly serrated edge, which sometimes gives them a delicate, lace-like appearance. The most distinctive feature of blue butterfly bush are its flowers, which are a vibrant shade of blue to purple and have a unique shape that closely resembles butterflies in flight. The flowers are formed in clusters that vigorously emerge from the ends of the branches, creating a fluttery effect that is especially attractive to pollinators such as butterflies and bees. The blossoms have a tubular structure with five petal lobes that spread out at the ends, further enhancing their butterfly-like appearance. The overall aspect of this plant is somewhat sprawling, with branches that arch gracefully. The plant's foliage and flowers together create a soft and somewhat whimsical aesthetic, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens. Its capacity to attract butterflies adds an additional layer of appeal, as it not only provides visual beauty but also supports local biodiversity.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Blue Butterfly Bush, Blue Glory Bower, Uganda Rotheca, Cambridge Blue
Common names
Clerodendrum myricoides 'Ugandense', Clerodendrum ugandense
ToxicityTo humans
There is limited specific information available regarding the toxicity of the Butterfly Bush (Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense') to humans. This plant is not commonly listed as a toxic plant. However, as with many plants, it is generally advised to avoid ingesting parts of the plant as they might cause gastrointestinal irritations or allergic reactions in some individuals. If a person does ingest part of the Butterfly Bush and experiences symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or an allergic reaction, they should seek medical advice.
To pets
The Butterfly Bush (Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense') is not well-documented for its toxicity in pets such as dogs and cats. It is not commonly listed among the toxic plants for household pets by major animal health organizations. Nevertheless, it is generally advisable to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not confirmed to be safe. If a pet ingests part of a Butterfly Bush, they might experience gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction. Symptoms could include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or skin irritation. If a pet shows any signs of distress after ingesting this plant, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense', commonly known as Blue butterfly bush, is highly valued for its ornamental appeal due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
- Pollinator Attraction: The vibrant flowers of the Blue butterfly bush attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Ease of Cultivation: This plant is known for being relatively easy to grow and maintain, which makes it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: After establishment, Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense' exhibits a degree of drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Fast Growth: The Blue butterfly bush is a fast-growing plant, allowing for quick establishment and filling in of garden spaces.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in a variety of landscape designs including borders, containers, and as a focal point in gardens.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a long flowering season, providing visual interest throughout much of the year.
Medical Properties- Analgesic: Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense' has been used in traditional medicine to relieve pain.
- Anti-inflammatory: It has properties that help reduce inflammation, which is useful in treating conditions such as arthritis.
- Antimicrobial: Extracts from the plant have been reported to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
- Antipyretic: Traditionally used to reduce fever.
- Antispasmodic: Helps to ease muscle spasms.
- Wound healing: Used to promote the healing of wounds.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense', also known as Blue Butterfly Bush, can be used as a butterfly attractant, providing a habitat for various butterfly species in a garden.
- The vibrant flowers can serve as a natural dye source for fabrics or crafts, offering hues of blue and purple depending on the concentration.
- Its woody stems can be used in creating small garden structures or supports for other climbing plants in a mixed border or flower bed.
- When pruned, the trimmings of the Blue Butterfly Bush can be used as mulch or added to compost piles to enrich garden soil.
- The distinctive shape and color of its flowers make it an excellent choice for thematic garden designs, like fairy or fantasy gardens.
- In regions where it is considered non-invasive, it can be cultivated as a living fence or privacy screen thanks to its dense foliage.
- The plant can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding an exotic and long-lasting element to bouquets due to its robust flowering stems.
- Its leaves can be infused to create a soothing bath soak with a pleasant fragrance, promoting relaxation.
- The dense canopy of the Blue Butterfly Bush offers a shaded microclimate for growing shade-loving understory plants.
- Aromatic oils from the flowers and leaves can be extracted and used for making scented candles or potpourri, adding a unique fragrance to indoor spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blue Butterfly Bush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blue Butterfly Bush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Blue butterfly bush: Known as the blue butterfly bush, Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense' is often associated with transformation and change, symbolizing the metamorphosis of the butterfly from caterpillar to its final winged form.
WaterThe Blue Butterfly Bush should be watered deeply, allowing the water to reach the roots, and the soil should be kept moist but not soggy. It's important to let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering. During the active growing season, typically spring through summer, water the plant every week with approximately half a gallon, depending on the size of your plant and the environmental conditions. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, depending on how quickly the soil dries out. Adjust the frequency if rainfall contributes to the plant's moisture needs.
LightThe Blue Butterfly Bush thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. An east- or west-facing location is suitable, where the plant can enjoy the morning sun or the softer afternoon light. Avoid deep shade, as this will reduce the number of flowers and can lead to leggy growth.
TemperatureBlue Butterfly Bushes prefer moderate to warm temperatures, thriving best in a range between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage the foliage and flowers. Keep them protected from cold drafts and frost, and they will perform best in the warmth of their ideal temperature range.
PruningPruning the Blue Butterfly Bush promotes bushier growth and more flowers. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Prune up to one-third of the plant's size to encourage fresh growth and flower production. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will also encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilButterfly Bush (Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense') thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A blend of two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part organic compost or aged bark is ideal. Regularly check for compacted soil and refresh the mix as needed to maintain good drainage and aeration.
RepottingButterfly Bush should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Timing for repotting is best in the spring or early summer, just before the onset of the growth season. Use a slightly larger pot with fresh soil mix to encourage continued health and growth.
Humidity & MistingButterfly Bush prefers moderate to high humidity levels, around 50-70%. If indoor air is too dry, consider using a pebble tray or humidifier to maintain an optimal humidity range closer to the plant's natural tropical environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with some direct sun.
Outdoor
Grow in full sun to partial shade; protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleRotheca myricoides 'Ugandense', commonly known as Blue Butterfly Bush, begins its life as a seed, germinating in warm, moist soil conditions. Upon germination, it develops a root system and foliage as a seedling, thriving in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade exposure. As it grows into a young plant, it starts to form characteristic lanceolate leaves and may be pruned to encourage bushier growth. The Blue Butterfly Bush reaches maturity when it starts to bloom, producing clusters of iridescent blue, butterfly-attracting flowers, typically during late summer to fall. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, inconspicuous fruit. The plant can live for several years, and propagation is often done through semi-hardwood cuttings to bypass the seed stage and maintain desirable traits.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense', commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, is via semi-hardwood stem cuttings. This technique is typically done during the summer months when the plant has an abundance of new growth that has not yet fully hardened. Cuttings should be taken from healthy stems that have not flowered, measuring about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length. The lower leaves are stripped off, and the base of the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to encourage rooting without causing rot. Cuttings are often placed under a humidity dome or in a propagator to maintain high humidity, which can be crucial for successful root development. With proper care and conditions, roots will typically develop within a few weeks.
