---

Clerodendrum splendens

Flaming Glorybower

Clerodendrum splendens, Flaming Glorybower, has been mistakenly called by a number of different common names. This has caused much confusion among buyers of plants and nurseries that carry them. Some of the common names used are: Bleeding Heart, Tube Flower, Pagoda Flower, Red Bleeding Heart Vine. These are all common names that refer to other Clerodendrums, not the species splendens. The common name most properly applied to Clerodendrum splendens is "Flaming Glorybower".

Clerodendrums are known for there habit of taking over an area by root suckers. The Flaming Glorybower is an exception, it is generally well behaved. It likes to climb on supports such as a trellis or pergola, but even then it is well behaved and not an aggressive vine. Once it reaches the top of what ever is supporting it, the Flaming Glorybower send its branches out and down to form a dense wall of lush green leaves, and a bounty of large flower heads. If no support is provided, Clerodendrum splendens will send its branches out across the ground forming a dense ground cover. This is a great way to cover a barren piece of ground with an informal cover. The Flaming Glorybower also makes a great indoor house plant. It will grow remarkably well in a brightly lit area, with the requirement of trimming it every once in a while so it doesn't outgrow its home.

The Flaming Glorybower will climb by twinning up supports or by sending its branches out across the ground. It has large, 7 inch oval leaves arranged in opposite pairs. The branches will climb over top of themselves, forming a dense, course textured growth pattern. The individual flowers are red to scarlet. They are 1 inch long, with many individual flowers forming a dense terminal cluster 5 inches across. The densities of the flower balls give this plant a real "WOW!" affect when in full bloom. Blooming period starts with the increase in day length, just after the start of winter, and last well in to late spring. It will also bloom as an interior plant as long as it is provided enough light.

Clerodendrum splendens is a rather easy plant to care for. It likes acidic soil, but will do well in almost any condition. Flaming Glorybower will take draught conditions well once it has established itself, and will require only an occasional watering. It is not an aggressive vine, but will overgrow its boundaries occasionally, click onfy. When it does, it will respond well to shaping, or even a very hard cut back. Full sun is the preference for this plant, but it will also do well in bright light. The blooming period will be negatively affected if it is grown it deep shade. It will grow to a height of 10 to 15 feet if given a suitable support. The support must be rather substantial as the Flaming Glorybower will form a dense, heavy growth.

Flaming Glorybower is a tropical plant, and will be damaged if it is subjected to frost condition for any length of time. If the temperature doesn't get low enough to damage the roots, the plant will survive and recover.

---