Clerodendrum splendens aka Flaming Glory Bower

Clerodendrum splendens is an evergreen vine in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Gardeners also call it glory bower or African glory bower. It comes from tropical western Africa, with its range reaching Angola. It grows in forests and regrowth on former farms and waste ground. The plant has woody stems and can form a dense shrub. Its twining stems climb around a support.

In gardens, it reaches about 8–13 feet (2.5–4 metres) tall. Its spread reaches about 3–5 feet (1–1.5 metres). Other accounts record plants reaching 16 feet (5 metres). The RHS gives a maturity period of ten to twenty years. Large, glossy, dark green leaves have an oval shape. Small scarlet flowers form panicles at the ends of branches. Each cluster measures about 0.4 feet (0.12 metres) across. Chicago Botanic Garden reports flowering from late December into May. Bloom timing can vary, and Missouri Botanical Garden lists seasonal flowering. Bees and butterflies pollinate the flowers. The plant also draws birds.

Grow this vine in a warm place sheltered from frost. It suits full sun, though it also accepts some shade. Under glass, give it strong light with protection from hot sun. Provide good airflow in summer. Keep the soil moist but allow excess water to drain. Clay, loam, and sand all suit it. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 10–12. Chicago lists zones 9–11, so the sources differ on cold tolerance. The RHS rates it H1B, allowing summer outdoor growth in Britain.

Use it on a trellis, pillar, or wall where winters allow. Its evergreen leaves provide interest beyond the flower season. In colder regions, grow it in a pot under cover. Chicago reports that it adapts to bright rooms above 60°F. Shorten the stems after flowering to control its size. Grow new plants from seed, root cuttings, or semi-hardwood cuttings. Watch for aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites. Leaf spot can occur, while honey fungus is rare.

Useful Tropical Plants records no known food uses or hazards. That does not establish safety for people or pets. Local medicinal uses include leaves for bowel complaints and menstrual problems. People also apply leaf preparations to wounds, sprains, and bruises. These records describe traditional use, not proven treatment. The leaves also yield a black dye for wool.