Not a plant for the beginner, but a most rewarding exotic plant for the. person who can provide the correct conditions and the extra bit of care that is wanted. To mention a few of the common names will give an indication of how exotic it is: glory pea, parrot’s bill, red kowhai and lobster’s claw. Again, they are multi-purpose plants which may be planted in the border in the garden room, grown in pots, or used in hanging baskets, where they are even more impressive as one can see the exciting flowers much better than when they are in pots or against a wall.

Water sparingly in winter and more freely at other times; good drainage is important so one should ensure that water soaks through the compost quite quickly after watering. Avoid the temptation to pot on too frequently, as fully mature plants several years old need only be in 7-in. pots. And plants do look so much more elegant when growing in pots that are in proportion to their leaf development.

When purchasing this plant it is probably much better to enquire about plants that have already been grafted and established on the new stock. Most careful watering is necessary from October to March and during the remainder of the year it is important to ensure that the compost is not allowed to become saturated for long periods. A good, free-draining house plant compost will help to prevent saturation and keep plants in good condition.

Clerodendrum Thomsanae is a climbing shrub which can produce the most spectacular amount of flower during the summer months. The white flowers with crimson centres are produced in large clusters on individual stems all the way up the plant from the base of the stem to the uppermost branches. If kept on the dry side the plants may be grown at lower temperatures than that specified above, but foliage takes on a harder appearance and they are generally less attractive. Clerodendrums are excellent subjects for fanning out against a wall, or they may be used as a central feature if placed in 10-in. pots or in tubs. If the latter method is chosen it is wise to push four or five 6-ft. canes into the compost close to the edge of the pot, pulling the canes together at the top and tying them securely. Growth can then be wound around these supports and a much more impressive plant will result. Plants will require ample moisture and feeding from March through to September, with moderate watering until about the beginning of November when they will have shed most of their leaves.

Thereafter they will remain dormant until early March and can be kept quite dry, but it is important that they should enjoy warm winter quarters. As new growth appears the watering process should be gradually restarted, care being taken not to have the compost too wet before plants have developed a reasonable amount of fresh foliage. Unless long growth is needed for filling in gaps one should prune the new season’s growths hack to about 3 or 4 in. from their base immediately after plants have flowered.

Once established in their pots a regular programme of feeding must be adhered to, as plants quickly deteriorate from lack of nourishment. Winter feeding may also be necessary if plants are producing new leaves. For preference plants should be potted on into larger containers in the spring of the year using J.I.P.3. Pot fairly firmly and please ensure that the pot is well drained by first putting a few crocks in the bottom.