Common Name: Glory Flower

General Information

Clerodendrum bungei is an erect, semideciduous shrub growing up to 2 metres tall and spreading rapidly at the roots to form thickets[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its deliciously scented flowers.
Clerodendrum bungei has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].
Often grown as an ornamental, this is a very aggressive plant, spreading rapidly by means of suckers[, ]. It has a clear potential for escaping from cultivation and becoming invasive[, ]

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southern and eastern China, Taiwan, Vietnam.

Habitat

Waste places, hillsides and damp shady roadsides at elevations up to 2,300 metres[]. Mixed forests on mountain slopes and along the sides of roads, at elevations below 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Butterflies, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Clerodendrum bungei is found through much of China, from the warmer temperate zone to the tropics - some forms are able to tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c[]. The top growth can be cut to the ground in severe winters but the plant usually resprouts from the base, especially if it has been well mulched it will then flower in late summer[, , ]. Plants succeed in an open position at Wisley in Surrey (hardiness zone 7)[].
Succeeds in a moderately to very sunny position in ordinary garden soil[, , ] but prefers a fertile humus-rich well-drained soil[, ]. The soil must not be allowed to dry out in the growing season[]. Requires a position sheltered from cold drying winds[, ].
The plant is very aggressive, spreading rapidly by means of suckers[, ].
Flowers are produced on the current seasons growth and so, to encourage flowering, any pruning is best carried out when the plant is dormant[]. They have a delicious scent[].
The leaves have a foetid aroma when crushed[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A decoction of the leaves is applied externally as an anodyne, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, carminative[, ].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as possible in a greenhouse. Germination can be erratic but usually takes place within 20 - 60 days at 20°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts.
Root cuttings, 6 - 8cm long, early winter in a greenhouse. High percentage[].
Division of suckers in the dormant season. Very easy, they can be planted out direct into their permanent positions if required.