Clerodendrum bungei aka Glory Flower

Taxonomy

Clerodendrum bungei, commonly known as rose glory bower, glory flower or Mexican hydrangea, is a popular ornamental shrub which is native to China and Northern India but can also be found in other parts of the world, typically in gardens or naturalized in the Americas. It is deciduous and grows up to 2 m tall with cordate (heart-shaped) leaves 10–20 cm long and not quite as wide, with coarsely toothed edges. The fragrant flowers, appearing in late summer, are usually coloured rose, crimson, or pink and are arranged in a remarkable rounded corymb measuring up to 10 cm in diameter. At the centre of each flower, there is a slender tube c. 3–4 cm long which terminates in five spreading white lobes. Although the flowers smell good, crushed leaves emit an unpleasant odour. Rose Glorybower is a rare houseplant which requires regular watering and long-lasting direct sunlight to thrive, and it needs well-draining soil to survive.

Common names

Glory Flower, Rose Glorybower, Rose Glory Bower

How to care for Glory Flower

Difficulty

Glory Flower requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Glory Flower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Glory Flower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Glory Flower requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Glory Flower will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Glory Flower to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Glory Flower’s native range is E. Asia - China to N. India.


More info:
Wikipedia