Harlequin Glorybower

Harlequin Glorybower Overview

Clerodendrum trichotomum is a large deciduous shrub or small tree species in the Lamiaceae family. It produces simple leaves which vary in their appearance, they are generally large on younger plants and leaves low to the ground may be lobed. Typically grown more for the flowers and attractive ornamental fruits. Flowers are scented and appear from midsummer-autumn from in between the upper leaves. The blooms are clustered on stem arrangements known as cymes. In cymes a central stem produces a flower at its growing tip first, followed by flowers from the ends of subsequent lateral shoots. The flowers are white and often flushed with pink, they are surrounded by a red structure, termed a calyx. Flowers lead onto shiny, vibrant blue berry fruits, which mature to a black colour. The calyx also darkens with ripening, contrasting spectacularly with the fruit! It has a bushy habit and is hardy to -15 degrees Celsius, plant in a position of full sun or partial shade, in moist, well-draining soil for optimal growth.