Glory Bower Plant Care: Tips for Growing Glory Bower

The Glory Bower plant (Clerodendrum) offers a captivating combination of stunning blooms, attractive foliage, and easy care, making them a popular choice for houseplant enthusiasts. 

The Bleeding Heart Glory Bower flower is a rich crimson bloom peeking out from white, balloon-like calyxes, making it one of the most popular varieties. 

However, the Clerodendrum genus offers a selection of up to 450 species. Many offer a wide range of flower colors as well as ornamental foliage, making them an excellent choice for a tropical plant collection.  

The relative ease of care for Glory Bower plants also make them a favorite for houseplant beginners. They thrive in most home environments. With proper care, they can thrive with minimal effort, offering a rewarding and hassle-free indoor gardening experience.

Clerodendrum thomsoniae

Glory Bower Plant Features

Clerodendrum are native to tropical and subtropical parts of the world, with most from Africa and south Asia. Some species are native to tropical regions of the Americas and Australasia. More cold hardy types grow in temperate regions of Asia.

Once classified into the family Verbenaceae, they’re not considered members of the Lamaiacea (mint) family). Some are vining, others are large shrubs or small trees. Leaves are usually glossy, featuring shades of deep green that beautifully complement the vibrant flowers. Some varieties have interesting leaf shapes or variegated patterns, adding visual interest to the overall appearance of the plant.

In the wild, Glory Bower plants grow as small trees or shrubs, ranging from about 4 feet tall to as much as 40 feet tall. Smaller species are cultivated for ornamental use, and by pruning in winter, you can train them as a small container or hanging basket plant. 

Clerodendrum houseplants can vary in size depending on the species or cultivar. They generally have an upright or spreading growth habit, developing into lush, bushy plants. Some varieties exhibit a climbing or vining habit, making them suitable for trained growth on supports.

Types of Glory Bower

While listing all 400 species of Clerodendrum is beyond the scope of this article, here are a few of the most popular varieties grown in containers.

Bleeding Heart Glory Bower

Clerodendrum thomsoniae, or Bleeding heart glory bower, is a captivating plant species cherished for its exquisite blooms. 

Bleeding Heart Vine is native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa. In the wild, it can reach a height of around 6 to 10 feet

It typically grows as a twining vine, with a climbing growth habit. It can be trained to grow on supports or trellises. You can also allow the stems to trail in a hanging basket. 

The leaves of Clerodendrum thomsoniae are oval-shaped with pointed tips. They’re typically dark green in color and glossy, providing an attractive backdrop to the showy flowers. 

The standout feature of Bleeding Heart Vine is its stunning flowers. The blooms are borne in clusters known as cymes, with each containing numerous individual flowers. 

The flowers are tubular, with a pure white corolla and contrasting bright red calyx lobes that resemble a bleeding heart. This color combination gives the plant its common name, Bleeding heart vine. 

Clerodendrum thomsoniae is commonly grown as a hanging plant. It is also grown as a climbing vine on trellises. 

It thrives in a sheltered, frost free environment and will suffer in temperatures below 55°F.

Clerodendrum trichotomum

Pagoda Flower

Clerodendrum paniculatum, or Pagoda Flower, is known for its cascading clusters of vibrant flowers. 

Pagoda Flower is a deciduous shrub native to the warm in humid forests and riverbanks of India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. In the wild, it can reach up to 10 feet tall. 

Clerodendrum paniculatum has an upright growth habit with arching branches but can also be trained to vine. It 

The leaves are oval-shaped, glossy, and deep green in color. 

Pagoda Flower blooms are produced in clusters known as panicles, each comprised of small, tube-shaped flowers. The flowers are bright red or orange with contrasting pastel-colored lobes.

Clerodendrum paniculatum is commonly planted in garden borders or used as a focal point in tropical-themed landscapes. It is wildly attractive to Swallowtail butterflies, making it a striking centerpiece for a butterfly garden.

When trained as a vine, it can be grown on trellises or arbors. 

Pagoda Flower is hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and prefers acidic soil and dappled shade. When growing indoors, choose a location with indirect bright sunlight.

Flaming Glory Bower

Clerodendrum splendens, or Flaming Glory Bower, is native to tropical regions of Central and South America where it grows up to 6 feet tall.

This deciduous shrub grows upright with a bushy habit that is compact and rounded.

Flaming Glory Bower foliage features oval, medium to dark green leaves that have a glossy sheen.

The fiery red Clerodendrum splendens blooms form in rounded clusters at the ends of branches. 

Flaming Glory Bower makes an excellent houseplant because of its small size and compact growth habit. 

Bridal Veil Glory Bower

Clerodendrum wallichii, also known as Bridal Veil Glory Bower, is native to the Himalayan region, where it grows in the wild under cool and moist conditions.

The Bridal Veil Glory Bower plant has a climbing growth habit with cascading branches, reaching a mature size of about 6 to 10 feet.

The foliage of Clerodendrum wallichii is comprised of oval-shaped leaves that are glossy dark green in color. 

Bridal Veil Glory Bower flowers form in pendulous white clusters with long stamens. They’re sometimes called Nodding Clerodendrum for their drooping appearance. 

Clerodendrum wallichii is hardy in USDA Zone 8 to 11 and prefers cool, partially shaded conditions. 

Starburst Glory Bower

Clerodendrum quadriloculare, commonly known as Starburst Glory Bower or Philippine Glory Bower, is renowned for its unique, star-shaped flowers.

Starburst Glory Bower is native to the warm, humid tropical regions of Southeast Asia, growing up to 10 feet tall in the wild.

It’s a deciduous shrub with an upright and bushy growth habit with a rounded form. 

The leaves are large, glossy, and leathery, with prominent veins and rippled edges. The tops of leaves are dark green, while the undersides are deep purple.

Starburst Glory Bower produces star-shaped flowers that resemble fireworks. The blooms range from shades of pink, red, or purple and are clustered at the ends of the branches. 

Starburst Glory Bower is hardy in USDA Zones 9b to 11, and it requires warmth to flourish. When growing outdoors, choose a location with plenty of sunshine for the best blooms.

Cashmere Bouquet

Clerodendrum bungei, also known as Cashmere Bouquet or Rose Glory Bower, is admired for its vibrant flowers and pleasant fragrance. 

Cashmere Bouquet is native to China and often found growing in temperate forests, growing in a mounded form up to 6 feet tall. 

Clerodendrum bungei features large, heart-shaped leaves that are medium to dark green with a slightly wrinkled texture. They also emit an unusual aroma when crushed. Some say it smells like peanut butter, others say it smells like a multivitamin.

Most people agree that the flowers smell delightful. Cashmere bouquet flowers form in rounded clusters at the ends of the branches and have a tubular shape with five spreading petals. The flowers are pink or mauve, and they offer a fragrance similar to that of vanilla. 

Cashmere bouquet plant care proves easier than that for other Clerodendrum because it’s hardy up to USDA Zone 7.

Harlequin Glory Bower

Clerodendrum trichotomum, or Harlequin Glory Bower, is loaded with fragrant cascades of blooms after only a few years, and it attracts a carnival of many colorful bees and butterflies. 

Harlequin Glory Bower is native to temperate regions of China, Japan, and Korea, where it reaches up to 15 feet tall with a round, open crown. 

The leaves are medium to dark green and like Cashmere Bouquet, Harlequin Glory Bower leaves also emit an unusual odor when crushed. The foliage turns purplish-red in late summer or fall.

Clerodendrum trichotomum produces clusters of small, fragrant tube-shaped flowers arranged in large, showy panicles at the ends of the branches. The blooms are white or pale pink with a deep purple calyx surrounding the base. 

Harlequin Glory Bower is hardy to USDA Zones 7 through 10. 

How to Grow Bleeding Heart Vine From Seed or Cutting

You can grow Glory Bower from Bleeding Heart Vine seeds. Purchase seeds at garden centers or online shops. 

Growing Bleeding Heart Glory Bower from Seed

• Soak seeds overnight in warm or room-temperature water.
• Fill small seed trays or pots with a well-draining potting mix.
• Poke a hole about 1/2 inch deep and place the soaked seeds in the hole
• Cover with more potting mix, ensuring good soil contact.
• Mist the soil with water or bottom water to moisten the soil
• Place the seed trays or pots in a warm location with bright, indirect sunlight.
• Maintain a temperature between 70°F to 80°F for successful germination.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Germination typically takes up to 4 weeks. Once the seedlings emerge, provide them with bright, indirect light.

Once the seedlings develop a few sets of true leaves, carefully transplant them into individual pots filled with well-draining potting mix.

Provide bright, indirect light and maintain adequate moisture levels.

Gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions if you plan to grow them in the garden.

Growing Bleeding Heart Glory Bower from Cuttings

Bleeding Heart Vine is easier to grow from cuttings. Cuttings are best taken during the spring or early summer. 

• Choose healthy, non-flowering stems from an established Clerodendrum thomsoniae plant.
• Using clean, sharp pruning shears or a knife, make a diagonal cut just below a node. 
• Dip the cut ends of the cuttings in a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development.
• Insert the cuttings into a container filled with a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of perlite and peat moss.
• Mist the medium and cover the container with a plastic bag or use a propagator to create a humid environment.
• Place the container in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Maintain a temperature of around 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C).
• Keep the rooting medium consistently moist but avoid overwatering.

After 6 to 8 weeks, gently tug on the cuttings to check for resistance, indicating the development of roots.

Once rooted, transplant the cuttings into individual pots filled with well-draining potting mix.

Provide bright, indirect light and gradually acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions if desired.

Glory Bower Plant Care

Glower Bower plant care is mainly straightforward once you take their origins into consideration. 

Light

Most Glory Bower plant species grow best with full sun exposure of at least 6 to 8 hours. However, a few are fonder of partial shade or dappled sunlight. Make sure you research the exact species for best results.

Soil

Glower Bower plants require fertile soil that has plenty of organic matter to grow well. When grown indoors or in containers, use a rich potting soil and add compost or slow-release organic fertilizer. 

When planting outdoors, work in slow-release organic fertilizer for acid-loving plants and mulch heavily to retain moisture.

Water

Whether growing indoors or outdoors, make sure to keep the soil moist throughout spring and summer. Water very sparingly when temperatures remain under 50°F.

Temperature and Relative Humidity

If you’re growing your bleeding heart glory bower indoors, ensure the air has adequate humidity. They should remain warm during the growing season in spring and summer. During the dormant period, keep them down to 60°F. 

Fertilizing

Provide your Clerodendrum with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month while blooming. 

Repotting

If growing Glory Bower in containers, repot in the spring to the next size up as required. 

Overwintering

If you live in a cool climate, you’ll want to grow Clerodendrum in containers to overwinter them indoors. 

Move your container Glory Bower when nights begin to dip to 50°F and below.

Place your plant in a cool area of your home in bright indirect light. 

Glory Bower Plant Pests and Diseases 

Clerodendrum are prone to a few troublesome pests and diseases.

Diseases

Powdery Mildew: A white, powdery growth on the leaves and stems.

Leaf Spot: Dark, irregular spots on the leaves.

Root Rot: Fungal infection that affects the roots.

Rust: Rusty-colored spots or pustules on the undersides of leaves.

Anthracnose: Dark lesions on leaves, stems, and flowers.

Pests

• Aphids
• Whiteflies
• Mealybugs
• Scale insects
• Spider mites

Conclusion

Clerodendrum plants cultivated as houseplants offer an enchanting combination of striking blooms, attractive foliage, and manageable care requirements. Glory Bower Plants present an appealing choice for indoor garden enthusiasts looking to add beauty to their homes. 

In subtropical or tropical climates, they work beautifully outdoors in garden borders. Train climbing varieties over a pergola, trellis, or any other supportive structure. 

Glory Bower plants bring a touch of tropical charm and elegance to any space. Their lush foliage and vibrant flowers create a visually stunning display, evoking a sense of exotic beauty reminiscent of far-off destinations.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March 2015 and has been completely updated.