Clerodendrum trichotomum (Harlequin Glorybower)


Botanical Information

FamilyLamiaceae
GenusClerodendrum
Speciestrichotomum
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
OriginJapan and China.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
The leaves of the plant are edible and usually boiled to remove their odor. The blue fruit that grows from the plant has been used in the making of dye. The species is known as a medicinal plant, it is said to have analgesic, anti-rheumatic and hypotensive qualities.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone7 - 10
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone6b - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-18 - 2
Temperature (°F)0 - 35
Height4-6 m
Spread 3-7m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJuly, August, September

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA large deciduous shrub with dark green almost heart shaped leaves. When in bloom, it is covered in fragrant pinkish white flowers followed by deep red calyces which hold deep blue berries. The shrub attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
ID CharacteristicWhen crushed the leaves give off a strong unpleasant odor often described as the scent of peanut butter.
ShapeA rounded or spherical low-growing shrub.
LandscapeThe Harlequin Glorybower does not have much value when not in flower but it can be used as a flowering ornamental in patio gardens or parks. The plant can also be used in container planting or as an accent plant. It is mainly used in shrub borders or as a specimen plant.
PropagationRoot cuttings collected in the autumn and cut into 50 mm lengths and inserted vertically into pots or flats barley covering the top. Water and place in a cold frame until growth appears and then pot individually.
CultivationTolerates most soil structures and pH levels, but thrives best in moist well-drained soils. Prefers a sheltered position in full sun to partial shade.
PestsVirtually pest and disease free.
Notable SpecimensWestonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
HabitatFound on mountain slopes, but can grow in most conditions as it is frost tolerant and handles most soils as long as they are moist and well drained.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark is smooth, greyish brown in colour and has pronounced lenticels.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionSmall conical shaped pinkish red buds about 0.5 cm long. Flower buds are white with pink tips, 1 – 2 cm long and resemble the beak of a bird.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are ovate with an acuminate tip and have an opposite arrangement. The length is 10 – 23 cm and the width is 5 – 12 cm. The dark green leaves are simple with pinnate venation and entire margins. No colour change in autumn.
Flower DescriptionThe flowers have a lovely pinkish-white colour and bloom terminally. They are attractive to bees and several other pollinators. Each flower is approximately 2.5 cm wide with a tubular base, five spreading lobes and yellowish white anthers.

Photographs