Clerodendrum trichotomum- Harlequin Glorybower
Description
General: A large, unkempt, deciduous, flowering shrub (or small tree) growing to 10’. South of zone seven, dies to the ground yearly.
Leaves: Opposite, toothed, ovate and dark green, 5-8” long. No fall color. Produce a unique aroma when crushed, akin to peanut butter (and as such is sometimes labeled the peanut butter tree).
Flower: Tubular white flowers bloom in long cymes 6 to 9” long. July to September.
Fruit: Pea sized bright blue drupe surrounded by a fleshy red calyx. Very showy and sometimes occurring alongside flowers.
Attributes: Useful when massed in shrub borders or on woodland margins
Culture
Hardiness: Zones (6)7-9.
Growing Conditions: Organically rich, well drained soils in full sun to part shade.
Maintenance: No serious insect or disease issues.
Transplanting: Easily transplanted to well-draining soil in a protected site.
Our Experience
Experience at Great Hill
Our clerodendrum is a zone hardy cultivar purchased from a local grower. It acts as a deciduous shrub, staying woody throughout the winter in protected locations on the hill. It works wonderfully where we have it massed around the foundation of a building to conceal pipes and an a/c unit. It suckers heavily and naturalizes quickly. Incredible aesthetic when in flower and fruit, which for our zone is long lasting from late summer to mid fall.