Glory bower (Clerodendrum splendens)
Discover Clerodendrum splendens, the vibrant Glory bower vine, known for its stunning red blooms and twining growth habit.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Clerodendrum splendens, commonly known through the horticultural world as Glory bower, is a spectacular tropical vine valued for its reliable, intense red floral displays. This woody-stemmed evergreen brings dramatic vertical interest to warm climate gardens with its lustrous dark green foliage contrasting sharply against the brilliant blossoms. As a twining vine, successful cultivation of Clerodendrum splendens relies heavily on providing adequate support for its upward structure.
Native to tropical Africa, this plant thrives where frost is absent, offering continuous seasonal blooms that are highly attractive to butterflies. Whether trained high on a pergola or allowed to sprawl as a dense groundcover, Glory bower offers year-round structure in its suitable zones. Gardeners should note its medium maintenance profile, which is largely focused on providing structure and managing its humidity requirements.
For those gardening outside the warmest regions, this plant converts beautifully into a container specimen. Overwintering ensures the survival of this showy species, allowing subtropical flair even in cooler locales. The sheer size and vibrant color make Clerodendrum splendens a standout feature demanding attention.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Vine
- Native Range: Tropical Africa
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 10-12 ft
- Spread: 3-6 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: Red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Clerodendrum splendens is best achieved when ground temperatures are warm, ensuring the establishment of its root system in well-drained, richly organic soil. This vine demands consistently even moisture; never allow the soil to dry out completely. Full sun conditions promote the densest flowering, but in the hottest summer climates, some light afternoon shade will prevent leaf scorch and maintain foliage quality.
Ongoing care centers around support and humidity maintenance. Providing a trellis, pergola, or sturdy wall is essential, as upright growth is its natural tendency. Be aware that this Glory bower may spread modestly via root suckers, requiring occasional trimming if boundary control is desired. Plants are sensitive to cold, showing leaf distress if temperatures dip below 55°F, necessitating prompt action in borderline zones.
For container cultivation, which is necessary in areas colder than Zone 10, place the plant in a bright southern window indoors during winter. High humidity is critical for preventing scorched leaf margins; misting the foliage frequently is recommended throughout the indoor period. The placement should offer bright, indirect light to mimic its preferred environment indoors.
Landscape Uses
The primary role for hardy Clerodendrum splendens in the landscape is vertical accentuation. It excels when used as a flowering screen or draped over robust garden structures like arbors or pillars where its structure can be fully appreciated. Where winter hardiness is confirmed (Zones 10-12), this vine creates an incredibly dense, flowering barrier suitable for obscuring utilitarian views.
In regions where it must be grown in containers, the Clerodendrum splendens becomes a movable focal point. Group these pots with other tropicals that share medium water and high light needs for cohesive summer displays. When brought indoors for winter, the vine acts as stunning, leafy foliage interest until its next outdoor season.
If left without support, this Glory bower will cascade and spread outward, acting as a visually striking, dense ground cover, though this negates its use as a climbing specimen. Its dense nature makes it an excellent choice for softening harsh architectural lines.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Clerodendrum splendens, commonly called flaming glory bower is native to tropical western Africa. It is a twining, evergreen, woody-stemmed vine that typically grows to 10-12’ long. Elliptic to ovate leaves (to 7” long) are a lustrous dark green. Salverform (slender tube with abruptly spreading corolla), bright red flowers bloom in dense terminal clusters (to 4-5” long). Flowers are attractive to butterflies.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Primary pest worries for this luxuriant vine include common tropical insect pests such as aphids, whitefly, mealybugs, and bothersome spider mites. Regular inspection, especially of the undersides of the leaves, allows for early intervention using horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. Occasionally, leaf spot diseases can develop, typically signaling a prolonged period of wet foliage without adequate air circulation. Ensure space between the vines and structures aids airflow, reducing humidity trapped directly against the leaf surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Glory bower suitable for?
The ideal growing range for Clerodendrum splendens is USDA Zones 10 through 12, as these tropical conditions protect the plant from frost damage.
How large does Clerodendrum splendens grow?
This vigorous vine typically matures to a length of 10 to 12 feet, with a spread ranging between 3 and 6 feet when given adequate room to climb or ramble.
What sun exposure does Glory bower need?
Clerodendrum splendens prefers full sun for the best flowering performance but will tolerate part shade, particularly appreciating some light afternoon shade in very hot climates.
When does Clerodendrum splendens bloom?
This plant is classified as a seasonal bloomer, putting on its display of striking red flowers during the warmer months of the growing season.
Conclusion
The Clerodendrum splendens, or Glory bower, offers unparalleled visual impact with its vigorous twining habit and brilliant red clusters, making it a premium choice for vertical interest in warm gardens. Its requirement for high humidity and frost protection means gardeners must be diligent in marginal zones, often resorting to container culture. Before planting, confirm your USDA zone compatibility or plan for necessary winter protection for this exceptional tropical vine.
Companion Planting
When planning an area for Clerodendrum splendens, consider pairing it with plants that appreciate similar moisture levels and do not aggressively compete for structural space. In containers, excellent companions in the St. Louis area scenario include upright Geraniums or Caladiums that provide complementary leaf structure at the base without shading out the vine’s lower growth too much. For in-ground plantings in Zones 10-12, utilize drought-tolerant, low-growing groundcovers beneath tropical vines to help stabilize soil moisture near the base of the structure the Glory bower is climbing.
Wildlife Benefits
The bright, colorful terminal clusters of this tropical vine are specifically noted for attracting local butterfly populations. Planting Clerodendrum splendens near seating areas or patios maximizes the viewing pleasure of these beneficial visitors as they feed on the nectar produced by the red flowers. While the cultural notes focus on butterflies, the dense canopy also provides excellent sheltered nesting or resting spots for smaller, non-migratory birds in tropical settings.
