Rose glory bower (Clerodendrum bungei)
Discover Rose glory bower (Clerodendrum bungei), a sweetly fragrant, suckering shrub blooming red from summer to fall in Zones 7-10.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Rose glory bower (Clerodendrum bungei) is a distinctive deciduous shrub prized for its vigorous growth and late-season color display, making it a noteworthy addition to warmer gardens. This plant produces showy, fragrant, rosy-red flowers in large clusters, providing vibrant interest from mid-summer well into autumn when many other shrubs are finished blooming. Native to China and Northern India, Clerodendrum bungei establishes quickly, though gardeners must be prepared for its tendency to spread via root suckers.
While it can reach heights of up to six feet, many gardeners prefer to keep the Rose glory bower pruned lower for a more manageable shrub form. Its large, dark green leaves offer substantial foliage texture, contrasting nicely with the bright blooms. The fragrance of the flowers is highly attractive to local butterflies, enhancing its value in the landscape.
Prudent placement is key when incorporating Clerodendrum bungei into your design due to its aggressive spreading habit. It excels in areas where it can be allowed to naturalize or in isolated spots where its colonization can be safely contained through regular trimming.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Native Range: China, northern India
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-6 ft
- Spread: 3-6 ft
- Bloom Time: July to October
- Bloom Description: Red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting the Rose glory bower is best done in spring after the threat of frost has passed. Select a location that offers evenly moist, organically rich, well-drained soil. While it thrives in full sun, afternoon shade is beneficial, especially in intensely hot summer climates, to prevent leaf scorch.
Water moderately, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist, particularly while the plant is establishing itself. Once mature, established Clerodendrum bungei exhibits good drought tolerance, though consistent moisture yields the best flowering performance. Fertilization is rarely required if the chosen soil is organically rich.
Maintenance for this shrub centers primarily on management of its spread. If a compact form is desired, prune the stems hard back to the ground in early spring before new growth begins. Be aware that this plant spreads aggressively via root suckers in suitable climates; these runners must be regularly pruned out to prevent the shrub from becoming invasive in the landscape.
For gardeners in borderline zones or those desiring a display in winter, Clerodendrum bungei can be successfully grown in containers. Such specimens require overwintering indoors near a bright southern exposure, ideally with indirect sun, and benefit from frequent misting of the foliage.
Landscape Uses
The suggested use for Rose glory bower is often to naturalize it, allowing it to form large, informal colonies, particularly useful on slopes or in large borders where containment is less critical. It functions effectively as an attractive flowering shrub that brings reliable late-season color.
Because of its assertive spreading nature, it is crucial to plant Clerodendrum bungei only where its spread can be controlled or where colonial growth is actively desired. Avoid placing it near property lines or within formal foundation plantings where its suckering will cause perpetual maintenance issues. It can make a dramatic focal point when intentionally isolated.
In container culture, the aggressive suckering is entirely avoided, allowing gardeners to enjoy the showy blooms of this plant without worry. Ensure containers are large enough to accommodate its size and that they receive adequate light as specified in the culture notes.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Clerodendrum bungei, commonly called Rose glory bower, is a suckering deciduous shrub which grows somewhat rapidly to 6’ tall and is native to China. It is best ornamentally grown as a shrub to 2-3’ tall, featuring large oval leaves that are dark green above and fuzzy bronze-green beneath, and which are malodorous when crushed. The rosy red, salverform flowers bloom in large clusters from summer into fall, attracting butterflies with their vibrant color and fragrance.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
Clerodendrum bungei generally remains free of serious insect or disease issues, contributing to its relatively medium maintenance profile. However, gardeners should monitor for common soft-bodied pests such as aphids, whitefly, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. For fungal control, leaf spot may occasionally become a problem; ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering will help mitigate these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Rose glory bower suitable for?
The Rose glory bower is winter hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 10.
How large does Rose glory bower grow?
This shrub typically reaches a mature height between 3 and 6 feet, with an equivalent spread of 3 to 6 feet.
When does Clerodendrum bungei bloom?
Clerodendrum bungei provides blooms from July extending through October, featuring striking red flowers.
What sun exposure does Clerodendrum bungei need?
It performs best in full sun but appreciates some light afternoon shade, especially during the hottest parts of the summer season.
Conclusion
The Rose glory bower (Clerodendrum bungei) provides indispensable late-season color and strong fragrance, making it a valuable asset when placed correctly in the landscape. Remember that its aggressive suckering requires proactive management, especially in warmer climates. Before planting, confirm your USDA hardiness zone and plan your chosen location carefully to enjoy the beauty of this plant for years to come.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions for Clerodendrum bungei involves balancing its need for deep, moist soil with its tendency to spread. Pair it with robust perennials that can handle similar water needs and that won’t be overwhelmed by its height or potential encroachment. Plants like Canna Lilies, hardy Hibiscus varieties, or other vigorous late-blooming perennials serve as excellent neighbors that share a similar aesthetic profile.
Consider the foliage contrast when planting near Rose glory bower. Its large, matte green leaves look striking set against fine textures or silver-leafed plants nearby. Ensure that any companion plants located too close to the base are manageable, as you will need clear access to prune suckers emerging from the roots of the Clerodendrum bungei.
Propagation Tips
The most common method of propagation for the Rose glory bower is naturally through root suckers; simply dig up the wandering shoots that appear away from the main shrub, ensuring you capture a portion of the root system. For more controlled multiplication, cuttings can be taken from semi-soft new growth during the summer months. Alternatively, root sections taken during the dormant season can also be used to establish new, separate plants.
