The lotus tree, also called Clerodendrum, is still relatively unknown to us. For anyone who wants to be a pioneer when it comes to exotic shrubs, we have summarized the most important things about planting and caring for your garden.

Even when loose trees have faded, they still hold many a surprise. The fruits of the Japanese lotus tree are a real ornament for the garden

With its magnificent flowers and unusual fruits, the exotic Losbaum (Clerodendrum) is slowly finding its way into European gardens and houses. You can find out why this is absolutely justified here.

Loss tree: origin and characteristics

Lot Trees are a very heterogeneous group. No wonder, because their range includes the entire tropics and subtropics of this world. There are both small trees and shrubs that belong to the genus of loose trees, as well as herbaceous plants and lianas. But the Losbaum has even more to offer. While some species are deciduous, others are evergreen. However, they all belong to the mint family (Lamiaceae). The flowers shine in all possible colors and usually smell extremely aromatic.

Clerodendrum species live primarily on forest edges, in the undergrowth or thicket

Clerodendrumspecies

It's such a thing with the Losbaum species. The genus seems incredibly species-rich and diverse, even downright confusing. On closer inspection, it was discovered that not all of these species actually belong to the genus Losbaum. And so there is still a heated discussion about which species belong to the loose trees and which do not. Currently the number of Clerodendrum species is somewhere between 150 and 300.

The best-known representatives of the lot trees:

  • Japanese lotus tree (Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii): The Japanese lotus tree is a Mixed form between shrub and tree. Its shrubby growth is so compact that it almost grows like a small tree. With its maximum height of three meters, the plant is perfect for small gardens and seating areas. It is considered hardy, but should be protected for the first few years. The white-bluish flowersonly appear in August/September and are arranged in panicles. The red and blue fruits are a real eye-catcher.
The Japanese Losbaum impresses with its dwarf and compact growth
  • Chinese lottery tree (Clerodendrum bungei): With a maximum size of two meters, the Chinese lottery tree is significantly smaller than the Japanese lottery tree and has more a bushy appearance. With its broad leaves and spherical pink flowers, it is almost reminiscent of a hydrangea. Although the plant is hardy in mild climates, it can freeze back to the ground in cold winters. But be careful: once you have found the perfect location, the Chinese Losbaum likes to spread via root suckers. A root barrier is definitely appropriate here.
The Chinese lotus tree has something of hydrangea (Hydrangea) in growth and appearance
  • Climbing Losbaum (Clerodendrum thomsoniae): If you have ever been to tropical Africa, you might be struck by a climbing plant with showy , balloon-like white calyxes with red flowers. This liana is also one of the loose trees and makes a beautiful houseplant. As a hanging basket or climbing along a trellis, their flowers create an exciting contrast. Theoretically, the climbing loose tree is several meters tall, but its growth can be limited to about one meter. This species is not hardy.
The deep red flowers of the climbing lotus tree spring from pure white bracts
  • Uganda loose shrub (Clerodendrum ugandense): The Uganda loose shrub surprises with its beautiful blue flowers. As a standard or shrub in a tub, it is wonderful in the garden or on the terrace. This type of husbandry is favored by its good cut tolerance. Its leaves are evergreen, which is why it should be overwintered frost-free.
With its blue flowers, the Uganda lottery tree is something very special

Plant a tree: when, where and how to proceed

As a tropical plant, loose trees love the sun, but they don't do well in the blazing summer sun. In their homeland, they mainly grow at the edge of forests and in thickets. It is therefore better to plant your Losbaum in the shelter of other trees or in a place protected from direct midday sun. Los trees kept indoors also prefer semi-shady places in the gardenApartment. In general, they love a warm location, preferably with high humidity. The following points are important:

  • Protection from direct sun
  • Warm
  • High Humidity

The best time for planting is in spring. Dig a big hole for this. It should definitely be wider and deeper than the root ball itself. Now put part of the soil back into the hole and place the root ball on it at ground level. Now you can fill in the rest with the excavated soil. This will make it easier for your lot tree to penetrate the earth with its roots. Now press the soil down lightly again so that the shrub stands securely and water it carefully. The first time after planting, you should continue to water more frequently until the tree has developed its roots sufficiently.

Dig a sufficiently large hole for the root ball so that the soil around it is also loosened

Repot the lottery tree

Loose trees tend to be less demanding in terms of substrate. They thrive on all well-kept, well-drained garden soil with a slightly alkaline pH value. You can therefore place the Japanese and Chinese Losbaum in the garden without much preparation. This is usually the same for potted loose trees, but since you have the choice here, you should opt for humus-rich garden soil.

Repotting is due about every one to two years. Of course, the growth and size of the plant are also important here.

Maintain lot tree

With good care, loose trees can get old. The Japanese Losbaum, for example, grows into a beautiful tree within many decades. In addition, loose trees can easily be propagated by cuttings. So their genetics are essentially immortal. We have collected the most important information for you here so that your lottery tree will also reach a ripe old age.

Clerodendrum Water and fertilize

Over the summer, when watering, you should orientate yourself on the home of the loose trees. It's pretty humid there. Therefore, water regularly and thoroughly so that the soil always remains moist. However, you should definitely avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Los trees are kept a little drier in winter. Especially deciduous species then need significantly less water.

Loose trees cultivated as houseplants enjoy being sprayed with a little lime-free water in both summer and winter. This cleans their leaves andincreases humidity

Fertilization is also stopped during the winter, around September. In the spring, however, newly planted specimens love a dose of fresh compost. Alternatively, you can also use organic fertilizers twice a year, such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer. With fertilizers, you should make sure that there is a sufficient amount of phosphorus, as this promotes flowering. So the most important points for watering and fertilizing are these:

  • Keep always moist during summer
  • Slightly less water in winter
  • Spray indoor plants regularly with lime-free water
  • Fertilize only during the warm season
  • Prefer organic fertilizers
  • Phosphorus in the fertilizer promotes flowering

Cut lot tree

In the case of the hardy loose trees, no pruning is usually necessary, as they remain quite compact. If you still want to swing the pruning shears, early spring is the right time to do so, even before the new shoots. Loose trees kept in pots or tubs need pruning from time to time.

The climbing loose tree, for example, can easily be shortened during the summer months. More radical pruning is also possible, but should be done in early spring.

Overwinter lottery tree

Depending on the species, older lot trees can be hardy. The Japanese Losbaum is therefore often planted in Europe. It only needs light winter protection for the first two to three years. Here it is helpful to protect the roots from fallen leaves or twigs and to wrap the trunk with fleece or bubble wrap in extreme cold.

Many species, such as the Chinese loose tree or the Uganda loose shrub, are hardy to a certain extent and can also be planted out in mild regions of Germany. Protecting the roots with leaves or twigs can be helpful in extreme locations. The plants mostly freeze above ground completely over the winter. While the Chinese lotus tree tolerates this well, the Uganda lotus tree should be overwintered frost-free to be on the safe side.

Types that are not hardy, such as the climbing loose tree, must be overwintered frost-free. A bright place with temperatures between 10 and 15°C is optimal here. However, the Climbing Losbaum can also be overwintered warm. In summary, the following applies:

  • Japanese lotus tree only needs winter protection during the first 2 - 3 years
  • Chinese lot tree freezes above groundfrom
  • Uganda loose tree and climbing loose tree overwinter at 10 - 15°C in a bright place
While some Losbaum species are not hardy, the Japanese Losbaum even survives German winters

Is the lottery tree poisonous?

The fruits of the Losbaum are slightly poisonous. But you don't need to worry, because the fruits are anything but tasty. So nobody should dare to try more than one bite of it. So you can integrate the plant into your garden or apartment with a clear conscience.

For all those who are now in the mood for a bit of the exotic, here are ten exotic houseplants from distant lands.

Category:

Trees