Chinese Glory Bower (Clerodendrum chinense): Fragrant Winter Blooms

Clerodendrum chinense, commonly called Chinese Glory Bower, is a deciduous shrub prized for its intensely fragrant, double white flowers that appear in late fall to winter. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, this plant grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, with large, heart-shaped leaves.

The blossoms emit a sweet, gardenia-like perfume, especially in the evening. It thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. In colder zones, it may die back to the ground but resprouts in spring. Synonyms include Clerodendrum fragrans and Clerodendrum philippinum.

Taxonomic Details