How to Grow Glory Bower
Glory Bower
Clerodendrum thomsoniae
vineGlory Bower is a tropical climbing vine known for its striking two-toned flowers featuring white sepals and red petals that resemble delicate lanterns. Native to West Africa, it produces lush green foliage and blooms prolifically in warm climates. The plant is popular as an ornamental in gardens and as a houseplant in cooler regions.
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Example Glory Bower timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Glory Bower
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Glory Bower
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 10-11; can be grown in containers indoors in cooler zones
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Get my Glory Bower timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung vine with tender stems and limited foliage; plant focuses on root development and establishing vine structure
Keep soil consistently moist, protect from strong winds, provide sturdy support structure early, avoid fertilizing until new growth appears
Vegetative Growth
2-6 monthsVigorous shooting of twining vines with heart-shaped leaves becoming fuller and more robust; plant rapidly extends along support
Train vines onto trellis or support, fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer, maintain consistent moisture, prune lower growth to encourage climbing
Pre-flowering
2-4 weeksVine structure is well-established with dense foliage; leaf nodes begin swelling and flower buds form at stem tips
Continue regular fertilizing, reduce nitrogen to encourage blooming, ensure adequate light, maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F minimum)
Flowering
3-6 months (can repeat seasonally)Spectacular clusters of white and red flowers resembling hanging lanterns appear along vine length; blooms are long-lasting and fragrant
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity, deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming, reduce fertilizing (use lower nitrogen blend), provide warm conditions
Dormancy/Rest
2-4 months (winter season)Growth slows in cooler months; plant may lose some foliage and flowering ceases; vine remains alive but relatively dormant
Reduce watering significantly, stop fertilizing, maintain temperatures above 50°F, provide bright light, light pruning allowed to shape plant
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate infested plants; wipe leaves with alcohol-soaked cloth
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Increase humidity by misting, spray with water, use miticide if severe, ensure good air circulation
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Remove manually with brush, apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, repeat treatments weekly
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, improve air circulation
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Improve air circulation, reduce leaf wetness, remove affected leaves, apply fungicide if widespread
Uses
Tropical Landscape Accent
OrnamentalGlory Bower serves as a dramatic focal point in tropical and subtropical gardens, covering trellises, arbors, and pergolas with luxuriant foliage and spectacular lantern-like flowers that attract pollinators and hummingbirds. [source]
Indoor Container Plant
HouseholdIn cooler climates, Glory Bower thrives as a houseplant trained around indoor supports or in hanging baskets, bringing tropical elegance and fragrant flowers to interior spaces when provided with bright indirect light and humidity. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThe unique white and red flowers are highly prized for fresh floral arrangements and tropical-themed bouquets, offering unusual color contrast and delicate form that lasts well in water. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalIn African and Asian traditional medicine, various Clerodendrum species are used to treat fever, inflammation, and digestive issues; some research suggests anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Pollinator Attractor
WildlifeThe fragrant, nectary-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations in warm-climate gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Glory Bower is an ornamental vine grown for flowers rather than harvest. Flowers can be cut for arrangements when fully open; cut stems in early morning. Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Glory Bower's flower structure is unique—the white parts are actually sepals (modified leaves), not petals, while the red portion is the true flower; this unusual arrangement resembles a hidden gift wrapped in white paper
- 🌱 The plant is also called 'Bleeding Heart Flower' due to the dramatic contrast between the white calyx and red corolla, and 'Bagflower' because the unopened buds resemble small paper bags
- 🌱 Clerodendrum thomsoniae is native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa and was named by Victorian botanists after Robert Thomson, a Scottish plant collector who worked at Kew Gardens in the 1800s
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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