Rose glorybower
Clerodendrum bungei · Lamiaceae
📷 Photographed by David A.Mac Manus (Dmacmanus at en.wikipedia) · Public domain
The gardener's calendar
Rose glorybower is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Form
- Shrub
- Adult height
- 1.2 to 1.5 m
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- August to September
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness (−5 to 0 °C)
- Origin
- China and Southeast Asia
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Clerodendrum bungei flowers abundantly in full sun and organic-rich soil. It's a sucker spreader: plant it isolated or contained.
The common mistake
Planting it among other plants without control: its suckers invade everything and removal becomes a nightmare.
The pro's trick
In rich soil, apply balanced fertilizer in June.
Seasonal watch
August-September: peak flowering.
Care
Light exposure
Plant your clerodendrum in full sun or partial shade for optimal flowering. A bright location promotes abundant flower production. In cold climates, a position sheltered from wind is preferable.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer) while keeping the soil moist without becoming waterlogged. Reduce watering in autumn and winter, particularly after leaf drop. Allow the substrate to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil
Choose rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. A mixture of potting soil, compost, and organic matter promotes good growth. Improve drainage with coarse sand or perlite if needed.
Pruning
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain a compact shape and remove dead wood. Remove spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming. More severe pruning can be done every 2-3 years to rejuvenate the shrub.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer or one rich in potassium once a month during the growing season (April to September). Reduce or stop fertilizing in autumn and winter. Prefer moderate applications to avoid excessive growth at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
The shrub can be affected by spider mites and aphids in dry or warm conditions. Check the undersides of leaves regularly and increase ambient humidity if necessary. In case of infestation, treat with a natural insecticide or a gentle water spray.
Did you know?
Clerodendrum bungei is nicknamed the "stinker" because of the unpleasant and distinctive odor released by its leaves when crushed — a repellent smell that serves as a natural defense mechanism against herbivores. Despite this off-putting scent, its pink or white flowers are highly fragrant, spectacular, and visited by many pollinators in late summer.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- SageSalvia officinalis
- BugleAjuga reptans
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.