How to Grow Blue Butterfly
iNaturalist
Blue Butterfly
Clerodendrum ugandense
shrubBlue Butterfly is a tropical flowering shrub known for its distinctive two-toned blue and white flowers that resemble delicate butterflies. Native to Uganda and other parts of East Africa, this evergreen shrub produces clusters of showy blooms that attract pollinators. It's popular as an ornamental houseplant in temperate climates and an outdoor specimen in warm regions.
When should you plant Blue Butterfly in your zone?
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Example Blue Butterfly timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blue Butterfly
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Blue Butterfly
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blue Butterfly dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-11; can be grown indoors elsewhere
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Get my Blue Butterfly timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall tender plants with 2-4 true leaves, delicate stems
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (70-75°F). Provide bright, indirect light. Keep humidity high to prevent damping off
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and lance-shaped leaves, becoming bushier and more robust
Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching. Water regularly. Feed with balanced, diluted fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Ensure good air circulation
Pre-flowering
4-6 weeksPlant reaches mature size with dense foliage; flower buds begin to form at branch tips
Reduce nitrogen and increase phosphorus/potassium with flowering fertilizer. Maintain consistent moisture. Provide 12-16 hours of bright light daily
Flowering
8-12 weeks or longer with proper careClusters of distinctive blue and white butterfly-like flowers appear, typically in pairs along stems
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Maintain consistent watering and humidity. Continue feeding with bloom fertilizer. Provide bright light
Rest/Dormancy
2-3 monthsFlowering slows in winter, plant enters semi-dormant state with reduced growth
Reduce watering frequency. Lower feeding to once monthly or stop entirely. Provide cooler temperatures (55-65°F) if possible to promote spring blooming. Maintain light
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Increase humidity and air circulation. Use sticky traps to monitor and control populations
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Mist regularly to increase humidity. Spray with water to dislodge mites. Use miticide or neem oil if severe
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Isolate affected plants
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Scrape off with soft brush. Treat with horticultural oil or neem oil. Monitor regularly for reinfestation
Uses
Ornamental garnish
CulinaryThe delicate blue and white flowers can be used as an edible, pesticide-free garnish for special culinary presentations and beverages. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
HouseholdThe striking butterfly-shaped blooms are excellent for fresh flower arrangements, adding tropical elegance and visual interest to interior décor. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalIn its native East African regions, Clerodendrum species have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, though scientific validation is limited. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent plant for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Pressed flowers
CraftThe attractive blue and white flowers can be pressed and dried for use in botanical crafts, artwork, and scrapbooking projects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Blue Butterfly is grown for ornamental flowers, not harvest. Deadhead faded blooms regularly to extend flowering season. Collect seeds from dried seed pods if desired for propagation. Cut stems for indoor arrangements when flowers are fully open
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Blue Butterfly' comes from the flower's remarkable resemblance to a flying butterfly, with the blue petals forming wings and white stamens creating the body.
- 🌱 Clerodendrum ugandense is native to Uganda and grows wild in tropical African regions, where it was first scientifically described in the early 20th century.
- 🌱 The plant requires warm, humid conditions mimicking its tropical homeland, making it better suited to greenhouse cultivation or warm climates rather than temperate gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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