Family: Verbenaceae
Common Name: Glory Bower

This is a large genus of trees, shrubs and climbers from tropical and warm regions of the world. Many of the species have their origins in China and Japan or tropical Africa. These beautiful, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, with their abundance of brilliantly coloured flowers, are the showpiece of many gardens. They have opposite or whorled, simple leaves up to 30 cm (12 in) long, and terminal sprays of white, violet or red flowers.

Species

C. bungei, glory flower, zone 8, grows to 2 m (6 ft), with long, coarsely toothed, ovate leaves and long clusters of deep pink flowers. This species is sweetly perfumed.

C. speciosissimum produces crimson and scarlet blooms in summer.

C. splendens is a bushy plant, with felt-like leaves and scarlet summer flowers.

C. thomsoniae, bleeding heart, flourishes in the tropics and can be grown outdoors in a warm location in many other regions. This climber can also be grown as a glasshouse or indoor plant in cooler areas. Clusters of red flowers with white calyces appear in summer.

C. ugandense, blue butterfly bush, grows to 2.5 m (8 ft) and produces delicate, light blue flowers with long stamens over an extended period in the summer.

Cultivation

Tender species are grown in a warm greenhouse or conservatory in frost-prone climates. Outdoors, Clerodendrum likes a well-enriched soil, a warm, sunny climate and plenty of water in summer. Plant in autumn. Propagate from seed sown in spring or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, and provide bottom heat for both.

Climate

Zone 10 for many species.