Rose Glorybower: A Fragrant but Vigorous Non-Native Shrub
If you’ve ever caught a whiff of sweet, intoxicating fragrance wafting through a late summer garden, you might have encountered rose glorybower (Clerodendrum bungei). This eye-catching shrub produces clusters of pink to purple blooms that smell absolutely divine – but there’s more to this plant than meets the nose.
What Is Rose Glorybower?
Rose glorybower is a perennial shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant reaching 4-5 meters (13-16 feet) in height, though it can sometimes grow taller or develop a single stem depending on conditions. Also known by its synonym Clerodendrum foetidum, this plant has heart-shaped leaves and produces those famously fragrant flower clusters that bloom in late summer.
Native Status and Where It Grows
Here’s where things get interesting – rose glorybower isn’t actually native to the United States. Originally from China and northern India, this shrub has made itself quite at home in the southeastern U.S. It now grows wild and reproduces on its own in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Puerto Rico.
The fact that it reproduces spontaneously in the wild without human help tells us this plant is quite the survivor and spreader.
Should You Plant Rose Glorybower?
This is where rose glorybower becomes a bit of a gardening dilemma. On one hand, it offers some lovely qualities:
- Incredibly fragrant flowers that attract butterflies and bees
- Late summer blooms when many other plants are winding down
- Adaptable to various growing conditions
- Drought tolerant once established
However, there are some significant considerations:
- It spreads aggressively through underground root suckers
- As a non-native that reproduces in the wild, it may compete with native plants
- Requires constant management to prevent unwanted spreading
Native Alternatives to Consider
Before committing to rose glorybower, consider these native alternatives that offer similar benefits without the management headaches:
- Native viburnums for fragrant flowers
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) for late-season interest
- Native azaleas for showy blooms
- Elderberry for wildlife benefits and late summer flowers
Growing Rose Glorybower Successfully
If you decide rose glorybower is right for your garden, here’s how to grow it successfully in USDA hardiness zones 7-10:
Planting Conditions
- Light: Partial shade to full sun
- Soil: Adaptable to various soil types
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates regular watering
Care and Maintenance
The key to successfully growing rose glorybower is staying on top of its spreading habit:
- Regularly remove root suckers that pop up around the main plant
- Cut the entire plant back to ground level in late winter if desired
- Monitor for new shoots appearing beyond where you want the plant
- Consider planting in a contained area or using root barriers
The Bottom Line
Rose glorybower can be a beautiful addition to the right garden situation – one where its vigorous nature can be managed and appreciated rather than becoming a problem. Its late summer fragrance and pollinator appeal are genuine assets. However, given its non-native status and spreading tendency, many gardeners might find more satisfaction in choosing native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
Whatever you choose, remember that the best garden plant is one that fits both your aesthetic desires and your maintenance capabilities!
