Glory Bower Plant Care

Glory Bower (Volkameria inermis) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Volkameria genus. Glory Bower is native to mangrove shores and coastal forests of Australia, Asia, Malesia and the Pacific islands. Glory Bower is also known as Climbing Clerodendrum, Inermis Volkamieria.

Glory Bower displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Glory Bower produces small tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Glory Bower every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Glory Bower thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Volkameria inermis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Glory Bower prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Glory Bower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Glory Bower every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Glory Bower is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Glory Bower can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Glory Bower while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Glory Bower is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Glory Bower can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to volkameria mollis plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Glory Bower is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Glory Bower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Glory Bower is native to mangrove shores and coastal forests of Australia, Asia, Malesia and the Pacific islands. In cooler regions, grow Glory Bower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.