One may kowtow and retreat (5)
I believe the answer is:
bower
'retreat' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Shady retreat' mean 'bower' so perhaps 'retreat' could also mean 'bower')
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for bower that I've seen before include "sanctuary" , "Shady shelter" , "One who shows respect" , "shady area" , "Leafy shelter" .)