Natal Glorybower: A Fragrant Flowering Shrub for Warm Gardens
If you’re looking to add some tropical flair to your garden with sweetly scented blooms, you might want to get acquainted with the Natal glorybower (Clerodendrum glabrum). This perennial shrub brings fragrant white flowers and glossy foliage to landscapes in warmer climates, though there are some important things to know before you plant it.
What is Natal Glorybower?
Natal glorybower is a multi-stemmed woody shrub that typically grows 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 feet) tall, though it can sometimes reach greater heights or develop a more single-stemmed form depending on growing conditions. As a perennial, it comes back year after year, making it a long-term addition to your landscape.
Originally native to southern and eastern Africa, this plant has made its way to warmer regions of the United States, where it now grows wild in Florida and Hawaii. It’s important to note that Natal glorybower is considered a non-native species that reproduces spontaneously without human help in these areas.
The Appeal of Natal Glorybower
What draws gardeners to this shrub? The main attraction is its clusters of fragrant white flowers that bloom throughout much of the year in warm climates. These sweet-scented blooms are particularly appealing to butterflies and other pollinators, making your garden a buzzing hub of activity. The plant also features attractive, glossy green leaves that provide a nice backdrop for the white flowers.
Garden Design and Landscaping Uses
Natal glorybower works well as:
- An accent plant in tropical and subtropical gardens
- Informal hedging or screening
- A specimen plant where its fragrance can be appreciated
- Part of a pollinator-friendly landscape design
This shrub is best suited for warm climate landscapes where temperatures rarely dip below freezing. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, making it a good choice for gardeners in southern Florida, Hawaii, and similar climates.
Growing Conditions and Care
Natal glorybower is relatively easy to grow if you can provide the right conditions:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade (though flowering may be reduced in too much shade)
- Soil: Well-draining soil of average fertility
- Water: Moderate water needs – not drought-tolerant but doesn’t like soggy conditions
- Temperature: Frost-tender, needs protection from cold temperatures
Planting and Care Tips
When planting Natal glorybower:
- Choose a location with good air circulation
- Water regularly during establishment, then reduce to moderate watering
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth
- In marginal climates, consider container growing so you can move the plant indoors during cold snaps
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
Should You Plant Natal Glorybower?
While Natal glorybower can be an attractive addition to warm-climate gardens, it’s worth considering that this is a non-native species that has established itself in the wild. If you’re passionate about supporting local ecosystems, you might want to explore native alternatives that provide similar benefits.
For gardeners in Florida, consider native options like firebush (Hamelia patens) or wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa), which also attract pollinators and provide year-round interest. Hawaiian gardeners might explore native shrubs like naupaka (Scaevola taccada) or ʻaʻaliʻi (Dodonaea viscosa).
That said, if you do choose to grow Natal glorybower, you’ll be rewarded with fragrant blooms and happy pollinators. Just be mindful of its non-native status and consider incorporating native plants elsewhere in your landscape to support local wildlife and maintain ecological balance.
The Bottom Line
Natal glorybower offers gardeners in warm climates a relatively low-maintenance shrub with fragrant flowers and pollinator appeal. While it’s not a native species, it can still play a role in diverse, thoughtfully designed landscapes. Whether you choose to plant it or explore native alternatives, the key is creating a garden that brings you joy while being mindful of your local ecosystem.
