





Bridalveil
Clerodendrum wallichii
Bridalveil

Urban Forest Tree Walk


Scientific Name
Clerodendrum wallichii
Location
The Bridalveil (Clerodendrum wallichii, also known as Clerodendrum nutans) is a graceful, cascading shrub admired for its elegant sprays of white, drooping flowers that resemble a flowing bridal veil—hence the romantic name. Native to parts of the Himalayas and Southeast Asia, this tropical beauty has found a niche in South Florida gardens, where it adds softness, motion, and seasonal bloom to shady or partially shaded areas.
Typically growing 6 to 10 feet tall, Bridalveil forms a loose, arching shape with slender stems and deep green, lance-shaped leaves. In the cooler months—often from fall through winter—it puts on a magical display of hanging white flower clusters, each bloom dangling like a delicate bell. As the flowers sway in the breeze, they create a soft, veil-like effect that gives the plant its name and its garden charm.
This plant prefers filtered sunlight or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It’s a wonderful choice for tropical and cottage-style gardens, where its weeping form and gentle flowers provide contrast to bolder foliage and structure. While not a Florida native, it is loved for its beauty, pollinator-friendly blooms, and romantic garden appeal.
Fast Facts
Veil of Blooms
Its name is no exaggeration—Bridalveil produces long, hanging clusters of delicate white flowers that sway like a sheer veil in the wind, turning any garden space into a soft, floral dreamscape.
Hometown
Bridalveil is native to Southeast Asia and the foothills of the Himalayas, where it grows in forested areas with dappled sunlight and rich, well-drained soil. In Florida, it thrives in protected spots with partial shade.
Pollinator Magnet
While the flowers are dainty, they pack a powerful draw for butterflies and bees, making Bridalveil not just ornamental, but an active part of any pollinator-friendly garden.
