Growth and foliar nutrient concentration response of Clerodendrum thomsoniae to increasing fertilization

Karen I. Davis, Carl E. Niedziela Jr., Brian E. Whipker and Muchha R. Reddy

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, Departments of Biology and Environmental Studies, Elon University, Elon, NC 27244, Department of Horticultural Scie

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2012.v14i01.05

Key words: Bleeding glory-bower, glory tree, fertilizer, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, Clerodendrum thomsoniae Balf.
Abstract: The growth response, root substrate environment, and foliar nutrient concentrations of clerodendrum were evaluated in a range of fertilizer concentrations. A green-leaf selection of clerodendrum was grown for 129 days using a complete fertilizer containing micronutrients at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg L-1 N. Shoot length and dry weight; root substrate electrical conductivity (EC); and foliar N, P, K, Cu, and Mn levels increased with increasing fertilizer concentration, while root substrate pH and foliar Mg and S decreased. The response of foliar Ca, Fe, Zn, and B concentrations to fertilizer concentration was not significant. Although clerodendrum grown with 100 to 400 mg L-1 N had similar foliar N, P, and K concentrations by mean separation, foliage was lighter green at <100 mg L-1 N; thus 200 mg L-1 N is recommended because it provided adequate fertility without excessive shoot growth.



Journal of Applied Horticulture