Plant Doctor Archive

Clerodendrum

I PLANTED a clerodendrum early last year and now find that it is sending out runners everywhere. We dug the main plant out, but I am still finding runners. I keep digging them out but wonder if it is an easy thing to get rid of, or am I going to be finding it in years to come? We discovered a bit late that it is on the invasive plant list.

WHEN in flower the Clerodendrum is a wonderful sight, but they can get out of hand. The roots may now be a problem sending up suckers and applying Yates Woody Weedkiller can control these. When new shoots pop up, paint with neat chemical (not mixed with water) or make up the solution to label instructions. If you are able to dig up the roots do so, but you must make sure that you get everything so no re-sprouting can occur. It will probably be a long process if the plant was large and mature.

Reproduced with permission from the former Weekend Gardener magazine. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the RNZIH.