Japanese glorybower
Clerodendrum japonicum
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Pl. D562 — Clerodendrum japonicum
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IOverview
Overview
Japanese glorybower (Clerodendrum japonicum) is a deciduous shrub native to regions including Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, Borneo, China South-Central and Southeast, East Himalaya, Jawa, Laos, Nepal, Philippines, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light soil types—ranging from sandy to heavy clay—and prefers full sun exposure. It can grow up to 2.5 meters tall and is known for its edible parts, which include flowers, leaves, and shoots. Its adaptability makes it a versatile addition to gardens or landscapes where it can provide both ornamental value and culinary use.
Quick answers
What is Japanese glorybower?
Japanese glorybower (Clerodendrum japonicum) is a deciduous shrub native to regions including Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, Borneo, China South-Central and Southeast, East Himalaya, Jawa, Laos, Nepal, Philippines, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, and Vietnam.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Japanese glorybower thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, making it suitable for warmer climates. This plant can reach a height of 2.5 meters and is versatile as its flowers, leaves, and shoots are edible. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist to support healthy growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-11
Mature size
2.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Japanese glorybower for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Japanese glorybower in a sunny spot and follow these steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers if starting indoors.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant outdoors after the last frost in spring or start seeds indoors a month before the last frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) textures. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors in small pots filled with potting soil. Transplant outdoors when the plant is about 10 cm tall and all danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place a shade cloth if temperatures are too high or direct sunlight is intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly in spring and summer with a balanced plant food. Prune to shape as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain the shrub's size. Remove any dead or damaged branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun without shade protection, neglecting regular pruning, using heavy fertilizers, and not providing enough support for tall plants.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesShoots
Edible uses: Japanese glorybower is edible and its flowers, leaves, and shoots can be consumed. Typically, the young shoots are eaten raw or cooked in stir-fries. The leaves and flowers may also be used fresh in salads or prepared as a potherb.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 6 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 6 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 16 native· 6 introduced
Asia12 regions
native (9)BangladeshChinaIndiaLaosNepalPhilippinesTaiwanThailandVietnam
introduced (3)JapanSouth KoreaSri Lanka
Broader regions
native:Andaman Is., Borneo, East Himalaya, Jawa, Sumatera
introduced:Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Malaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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