Butterfly bush (Rotheca myricoides 'Ugandense')

Overview

Rotheca myricoides ‘Ugandense’, sometimes referred to as blue glory bower, is a distinctive broadleaf evergreen shrub highly valued for its unique, butterfly-shaped blue and violet flowers that appear throughout the growing season. Though native to tropical East Africa, this cultivar brings exotic flair to warmer gardens and containers. It is exceptionally easy to care for, earning it a reputation as a low-maintenance jewel in the landscape.

This adaptable plant offers glossy, bright green foliage contrasted beautifully by its showy blooms. While it can reach significant heights in its native habitat, growing the Rotheca myricoides ‘Ugandense’ typically results in a compact shrub perfect for smaller spaces or patio displays. Gardeners appreciate its rapid growth and consistent flowering performance when provided with basic needs.

The common name, Butterfly bush, highlights the flower structure—each bloom features four light blue side petals resembling wings and a darker lower petal resembling the body, complete with prominent purple stamens mimicking antennae. This striking appearance makes the Rotheca myricoides ‘Ugandense’ a focal point wherever it is placed.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Lamiaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-4 ft
  • Spread: 2-3 ft
• Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
• Bloom Description: Light blue/violet (bicolor)
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Rotheca myricoides ‘Ugandense’ in the spring or early fall, ensuring it receives organically rich, well-drained soil. While it can tolerate full sun, best performance and protection from intense afternoon heat occur when situated in partial shade, especially in warmer regions. Consistency is key; these plants require regular and consistent moisture to thrive and maintain their lush appearance.

Watering should be steady; avoid letting the soil dry out completely between irrigation sessions. Fertilization is generally minimal due to its low maintenance profile, but a balanced feed in spring can encourage robust growth. If you desire a very compact form, prune the stems hard back to the ground in early spring before new growth commences, mimicking its behavior as an herbaceous perennial in cooler fringes.

Gardeners located in the warmest parts of its range (Zones 10-11) will enjoy this as a true evergreen. In areas bordering its hardiness limit, such as Zone 9, expect potential dieback if temperatures drop below 25 degrees F; however, the roots often survive to resprout vigorously in spring. For colder climates, treat the Butterfly bush as an annual or successfully overwinter container plants by bringing them indoors to a bright room with indirect sunlight, ensuring frequent misting of the foliage.

Landscape Uses

The compact nature of the Rotheca myricoides ‘Ugandense’ makes it exceptionally useful in mixed shrub borders where its unique blue flowers can provide contrast against warmer-toned flowers. It excels as a specimen plant in containers, bringing exotic height and unusual texture to patios and entryways. Because it retains its foliage year-round in ideal conditions, it provides reliable structure even when other plants are dormant.

For design purposes, pair the light blue/violet blooms of the Butterfly bush with plants offering yellow, orange, or deep red flowers to create dramatic contrasts. Its evergreen nature also positions it perfectly as foundational planting near buildings or walkways where year-round greenery is desired, though pruning is critical to maintain the 2-4 ft height range.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Rotheca myricoides, commonly called blue glory bower or blue butterfly bush, is a suckering evergreen shrub with a somewhat open habit which grows rapidly to 6-10’ tall and as wide in its native habitat but more typically to 2-4’ tall in containers in the St. Louis area. It is native to tropical eastern Africa (Kenya and Uganda). This shrub was formerly known as Clerodendrum myricoides. Glabrous, elliptic to narrow-obovate, glossy bright green leaves (to 3-5” long and 1-3” wide) have serrate margins and wedge-shaped bases. Showy, five-petaled flowers bloom June to September. Flowers purportedly resemble the shape of a butterfly in flight, hence the common name of blue butterfly bush. Variable flower color ranges from blue to violet blue to white. Each flower has four light blue side petals (resembling butterfly wings), a fifth dark blue lower petal (resembling butterfly head, thorax and abdomen), and showy, curved, outward-arching, purple stamens (resembling butterfly antennae). Black fleshy fruit follows the spring blooms. This cultivar, ‘Ugandense’, features intense purplish-blue flowers with showy stamens.

Tolerances

• No serious insect or disease problems.

Potential Problems

This plant enjoys a relatively clean bill of health regarding pests and diseases. However, consistently moist conditions, especially when combined with poor air circulation, can invite fungal issues like leaf spot. Regularly monitor for common tropical pests: watch carefully for aphids, whitefly, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Prompt treatment with insecticidal soap, targeting the underside of the leaves, helps keep the foliage pristine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Butterfly bush suitable for?

Rotheca myricoides ‘Ugandense’ is winter hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11, thriving best where frost is rare or non-existent.

How large does Rotheca myricoides ‘Ugandense’ grow?

When grown as a shrub, the typical size range is 2 to 4 feet in height and 2 to 3 feet in spread; container size can influence overall maturity.

What sun exposure does Butterfly bush need?

This plant performs best when placed in full sun to part shade; however, part shade is recommended for the best overall performance, protecting it from the harshest afternoon heat.

When does Rotheca myricoides ‘Ugandense’ bloom?

This shrub is considered a seasonal bloomer, offering its distinctive light blue/violet (bicolor) flowers throughout the warmer months.

Conclusion

The Rotheca myricoides ‘Ugandense’ offers exotic, long-lasting color with minimal gardener effort, making it a superb choice for adding visual interest to small gardens or containers. Its unique butterfly-shaped flowers ensure it remains a talking point throughout the season. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 9-11 to ensure the best chance of year-round enjoyment.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for your Butterfly bush, focus on plants that share similar needs for consistently moist, well-drained soil and partial shade exposure. Consider tropical or sub-tropical perennials that can tolerate similar conditions. For instance, Caladiums thrive in dappled shade and appreciate moisture, offering large, colorful foliage that complements the fine texture of the Rotheca myricoides ‘Ugandense’ leaves.

Think about contrasting textures and color palettes. Elephant Ears (Colocasia) provide bold, architectural structure alongside the airy, weeping habit of the shrub. If growing in a container grouping, include trailing annuals like sweet potato vine or trailing impatiens that can cascade over the edge, softening the look while maximizing the visual impact of the unusual blooms.

Container Growing

The smaller stature of the Rotheca myricoides ‘Ugandense’ makes it perfectly suited for patio containers, where its cultural needs—particularly consistent moisture—can be managed precisely. Use a high-quality potting mix amended with plenty of organic matter to ensure richness and good drainage. Because its water needs are medium, container gardeners must water diligently, especially during heat waves, as pots dry out much faster than garden beds.

Pruning is easier to control when grown in a container; you can aggressively trim it back in spring to maintain a neat, dense mound about 2 feet tall. If you must overwinter this plant indoors in cooler areas, remember that the dry indoor air necessitates frequent misting of the foliage to mimic the humidity it enjoys naturally.