Clerodendrum trichotomum 'PURPLE BLAZE' glorybower, bagflower

Glorybower is a small tree or a large shrub from China and Japan. Unlike most of its relatives from tropical and subtropical regions this glorybower is hardy in mild parts of continental climate. It is cultivated as a highly ornamental plant that is quite rare in Europe. It makes large, up to 20 cm long, obovate leaves with a long tip. They are deep green in rich soils of slightly lower (acidic) pH, deciduous, and do not make a significant colour change in autumn.

Purple Blaze is a variety with burgundy red hues on emerging foliage. It is supposed to be one of the hardiest that has withstand -24°C. Also, it begins blooming one or two weeks earlier in continental climate – already in the last decade of August terminal cymes composed of creamy white, very fragrant, salverform flowers appear, and are followed by dark blue fruit in bright pink calyxes.

Glorybower grows moderately or fast when young, slowing down when it reaches about 1.5-2m height in order to thicken the canopy which is horizontally ovate, very dense and beautiful. Mature plant have an almost flat canopy like those on silk trees. This tree resembles catalpa (Indian bean tree) but is much smaller and will fit a small front yard. Grow it in humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun, protected from harsh, cutting winds in winter. Hardy to about -23°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 03-02-2014