Japanese glorybower
Clerodendrum japonicum
Family: Verbenaceae
What it is like
Clerodendrum japonicum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 2.5
Where it is found
Thickets in valleys, along streams and in grassy openings at elevations of 100-1200 metres. Moist gullies and shady places to elevations of 1600 metres in Nepal.
E. Asia - China, Japan, India.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Flowers. They are evil-smelling. The leaves are also probably used. Young leaves and shoots - cooked as a vegetable or pickled.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The leaves are applied to boils. A decoction of the inflorescence is used in the treatment of gonorrhoea, haematochezia and nosebleed.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
VD: Used in the treatment of venereal disease
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in a sunny position in ordinary garden soil but prefers a fertile humus-rich well-drained soil. The soil must not be allowed to dry out in the growing season. Requires a position sheltered from cold drying winds. A very ornamental plant. This species is almost certainly not hardy outdoors in Britain. Flowers are produced on the current seasons growth.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as possible in a greenhouse. Germination can be erratic but usually takes place within 20 - 60 days at 20°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Root cuttings, 6 - 8cm long, December in a greenhouse. High percentage. Division of suckers in the dormant season. Very easy, they can be planted out direct into their permanent positions if required.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 9-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist