Clerodendrum schmidtii (Chains of Glory)

Clerodendrum schmidtii, Clerodendrum smithianum, Chains of Glory, Lightbulb Flower

Botanical names: Clerodendrum schmidtii, Clerodendrum smithianum

Common names: Chains of Glory, Lightbulb Flower

Family: Lamiaceae (Formerly:Verbenaceae)

USDA Zone: 9-11?

Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds

Subtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

This elegant plant is a rare species in plant collections.

Winter bloomer, puts on a spectacular display with cascading white flowers that dance against its deep green foliage. Flowering racemes hang down a foot and a half or more. It often has two flowering periods during the winter season.

The white fragrant flowers are held in loose pendulous panicles, similar to Bridal Veil (Clerodendrum wallichii). The white flowers on long dark red flower stalks are very showy against dark green foliage.

The differences between the two species however are very distinctive. C. schmidtii has dark red flower stalks and they are much longer, while C. wallichii stems are shorter and all green. The overall look of C. schmidtii is more "fragile" and lace-like. Leaves of C. wallichii are more narrow than C. schmidtii. As far as flower shape, they look a lot alike, however C. schmidtii has fewer stamens. C. wallichii looks greener and healthier in filtered light, and C. schmidtii looks best in full sun conditions.