Clerodendrum speciosissimum (Glorybower)

Clerodendrum speciosissimum , or Glorybower as it is sometimes known, is probably my favorite out of the many species of Clerodendrum in cultivation. The flowers are a brilliant red and cover the plant for months at a time.

 Butterflies love this plant, and Swallowtails in particular can usually be seen hovering around the plant or feeding from the red flowers.  Hummingbirds also find the blooms attractive.  The leaves are large and heart-shaped, making for a nice tropical foliage effect.

Clerodendrum speciosissimum is native to Indonesia, but has become established in tropical regions around the world.  It generally grows to a height of 5-6 feet but can get much taller in ideal conditions.  The flower clusters form on the tip of each branch.

The plant grows in sun or light shade and is extremely drought-tolerant. It is recommended for USDA Zones 9b to ll.  In warm locations it will be evergreen.  In colder locations, the stems can die back to the ground during brief freezes, but quickly come back to bloom again. Although Clerodendrum speciosissimum will spread beyond where it was originally planted, it is not particularly invasive and can be controlled by pulling up stray stems.

In folk medicines, various plant parts are used to treat arthritis, eye problems, hemorrhoids, hernia, and insomnia.