Clerodendrum bungei aka Glory Flower

Clerodendrum bungei is a fast-spreading deciduous shrub that typically reaches 1.5-2 m (5-6 feet) in height and similar spread, though it is often kept shorter through hard pruning. It spreads aggressively by root suckers, forming wide colonies if not controlled. Growth rate is moderate to fast.

Clerodendrum bungei is hardy to USDA zones 7-10 and survives temperatures down to approximately -10°C when mulched. In harsh winters the top growth may die back to the ground, but the plant typically resprouts vigorously from its root system in spring. Protect roots with a thick mulch layer in marginal climates.

The flowers of Clerodendrum bungei are sweetly fragrant and pleasantly scented. The foliage, by contrast, emits an unpleasant, foetid odor when crushed or bruised. The contrast between fragrant flowers and malodorous leaves is a well-known characteristic of the species.

Clerodendrum bungei produces large, rounded terminal clusters (corymbs) up to 10 cm across, packed with rose-pink to deep crimson flowers. Each individual flower has a slender tube about 3-4 cm long with five spreading lobes. Blooms appear in mid to late summer (typically July-October depending on climate) and are sweetly fragrant. Flowers attract butterflies and other insects.

Clerodendrum bungei is an outdoor shrub suited to USDA zones 7-10. It has a strongly invasive tendency in warm temperate climates, spreading aggressively by root suckers, and has naturalized from Texas to Georgia and Florida in North America. Gardeners outside warm regions may find the plant dies back in winter but resprouts in spring. Siting in an isolated area or removing suckers regularly is essential to prevent unwanted spread. It is not recommended as a houseplant.

Cut stems hard to the ground in early spring before growth begins to encourage a compact form and maximize flowering on new season's wood. Remove root suckers regularly throughout the growing season to control spread. Because flowers form on current-season growth, dormant-season pruning does not reduce flowering.

Clerodendrum bungei is easily propagated by dividing rooted suckers from the parent plant during dormancy, or by taking root cuttings (6-8 cm sections) in late winter or early spring. Stem cuttings are also reported to work. Seeds can be used but the plant's vigorous suckering habit makes vegetative propagation the most practical method.

Clerodendrum bungei is deciduous and drops its leaves naturally in autumn — this is normal seasonal behavior. In very cold winters, the entire top growth may die back, but the plant resprouts from the root system in spring.

Common pests include aphids, whitefly, mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Leaf spot disease occurs occasionally. Regular inspection and early treatment with appropriate insecticides or horticultural oils is recommended.

Clerodendrum bungei is pollinated by insects. The fragrant flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. The plant also produces extrafloral nectaries that attract ants, which help protect the plant from herbivores.

Clerodendrum bungei has no known edible uses. PFAF, Useful Temperate Plants, and Useful Tropical Plants all rate its edibility at 0 out of 5, and no edible parts have been documented.

Traditional medicinal use of Clerodendrum bungei involves preparing a decoction of the leaves for external application. Documented properties include anodyne (pain-relieving), anthelmintic (anti-parasitic), anti-inflammatory, and carminative (gas-relieving) effects. Medicinal rating is 1-2 out of 5 across sources, and no clinical or peer-reviewed evidence was found in the consulted databases.

No other uses for Clerodendrum bungei beyond ornamental and limited traditional medicinal applications have been documented. PFAF, Useful Temperate Plants, and Useful Tropical Plants all rate other uses at 0 out of 5.