The exotic Losbaum is a feast for the eyes in every front yard. However, so that it also thrives magnificently, a few things have to be taken into account when planting.
Anyone who likes the exotic will really enjoy the breathtaking lottery tree. The large flowers and leaves conjure up an Asian flair in the home garden. And the best thing about it: all this without much effort, because the (bot.) Clerodendrum trichotomum is really frugal. Nevertheless, we have summarized the most important things about the so-called Destiny Tree here.
Profile Losbaum - interesting facts about Clerodendrum trichotomum
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Height and Width | • normally 1.5 to 2.5 or 3 meters high and wide • in a wine-growing climate, a height of five meters and a width of four meters is also possible |
| Growth | • as a shrub or small tree • the loose tree usually has several trunks • it grows very slowly (5 to 20 cm per year) |
| Roots | • shallow roots • expansive and fleshy roots • often forms runners • as the roots are very sensitive, care should be taken when working close by |
| Leaves | • the crown is loose and open • with age it can also become umbrella-shaped • the leaves of the Losbaum are large and elliptical or ovate • they become up to 8 to 14 cm long • they appear purple when they sprout • later the leaves are dark green • the curtain remains until the first frost, after which they fall without autumn colour • if you touch the leaves a strong smell emanates |
| Bloom | • from July/August to September the Losbaum is in full bloom • they are about three centimeters tall • their color is white-red • they are growing umbel-like • its calyx is green-red • the scent is reminiscent of vanilla |
| Fruits | • the fruits are pea-sized and juicy • their color varies between light, dark and black-blue • unfortunately they are not edible |
Different Losbaum types
Since there are about 150 species of this genus loose trees, it is worth aLook at the subspecies. The best-known representatives in German gardens include:
- Clerodendrum trichotomum fargesii (lighter leaves, turquoise fruits, pink calyx)
- Clerodendrum bungei (large pink flowers)
- Clerodendrum bungei Pink Diamond (red buds, pink umbels)
- Clerodendrum speciosissimum (orange-red flowers)
- Clerodendrum thomsoniae (white-scarlet flowers)
- Clerodendrum ugandense (long blue spikes)
Advantages and disadvantages of the lottery tree
Advantages
✔ Thanks to its relatively small size and width, the Clerodendrum trichotomum is also ideal for smaller gardens.
✔ The shrub or small tree unfolds its full size in a wine-growing climate.
✔ Except for Water and fertiliser, the so-called Tree of Destiny is easy to care for.
✔ Pruning requires little effort.
✔ Fertilizing is also limited.
✔ The flowers enchant with a great, lasting Scent reminiscent of vanilla.
✔ There are numerous types available, which differ in color and care requirements.
✔ In its shade you can sit wonderfully on the terrace.
Cons
✘ Unfortunately, the fruits of the Clerodendrum trichotomum are not edible. In traditional Chinese medicine, however, extracts from the Losbaum are used as a remedy for high blood pressure.
✘ It is only frost hardy to around 15°C below zero. Officially, the specification -20°C is sometimes used, but you should not rely on that. The location and the winter protection used are definitely decisive for successful hibernation. We explain more about this in our guide “Care for the loose tree”.
Destiny tree - the alternative name and its meaning
It is believed that this 'fateful' designation of the tree dates back to antiquity. The semi-poisonous berries are said to have decided the fate of criminals at that time. The fruits were administered to them and their survival or death was placed in God's hands. Those who survived the consumption were considered innocent. If the person died as a result of this action, he was presumed to be guilty.
Plant a tree - that's what matters
❖ Shape:
Similar to the apple thorn, you also have the option of planting the plant as a shrub or small tree with the loose tree. If you let nature take its course, you can soon look forward to a sprawling, bushy large shrub. Whoever fixes the trunk to sticks when planting influences the direction of growth. That's what the Destiny Tree doesliving up to his name soon.
❖ Location:
The Clerodendrum trichotomum and its pollinators love it sunny and warm. However, in their original habitat, the shrubs benefit from the protection of the sparse forest, since they are found there in particular as wild hedges at the edges of the forest. That is why the Losbaum gets along very well in partial shade. Ideally, the blazing midday sun is avoided, but heat is generally not a problem.
Temperatures down to 15°C below zero cannot harm the Losbaum. At lower values, it is unfortunately less frost hardy. Therefore, the Clerodendrum trichotomum is happy about a protected place.
The exotic tree needs to be cross-pollinated, which is why it is recommended to plant several, but at least two, shrubs. The background: Although the flowers have male and female sex organs, they are hardly able to fertilize each other. The female pistils only mature when the male stamens have already faded. The Losbaum is quite attractive for pollinating insects.
❖ Bottom:
The Japanese lotus tree, which is mostly found as an ornamental shrub in domestic gardens, thrives best in fresh, slightly moist garden soil, but waterlogging should be avoided. Therefore, permeable substrates are best suited. The loose tree is extremely tolerant of the pH value of the soil. Despite its inherently hardy characteristics, it should be covered with leaves if ground frost persists.
However, the soil itself should not be too rich in nutrients, otherwise the shoots will not mature well in the autumn season.
❖ Instructions:
Many specialist shops offer shrubs with balls that can be planted in your own garden in no time at all. To do this, proceed as follows:
❶ First, a hole for the lottery tree is prepared. This should be about twice the size of the root ball of the young plant.
❷ The bottom of the planting hole should be loosened so that the plant can establish itself more easily.
❸ The young Clerodendrum trichotomum can now be placed in it.
❹ The free space around the bale is filled with the excavated soil.
❺ This should be pressed down well so that the loose tree has a good hold and the soil does not slip away when watering.❻ The loose tree should be watered extensively, especially in the first few weeks after planting.
If everything went well, you can already look forward to the first blossom in the following year. It shouldn'tgo so fast: don't despair! Some gardeners report that the first blooms did not appear as long as four years after planting.
❖ Planting a loose tree in a pot
Planting in a container is similar. For this we recommend a substrate made of loam, sand, grit, bark compost and horn shavings. Alternatively, of course, conventional potting soil is also suitable.
Combine ticket tree
Like people, there are plants that harmonize better than others. Therefore, in the following we give an overview of which plants grow particularly well under or near the Losbaum.
| Art | Recommended Plants |
|---|---|
| Flowers and Herbs | • Hibiscus • Hydrangea • Astilben • Liriope • Saxifrage or Saxifraga • Meadowrue or Thalictrum |
| Trees and Shrubs | • Golden Larch • Japanese Maple • Mulberry Trees • Cork Trees • Bubble Ash • Ferns |