Harlequin Glorybower Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as harlequin glorybower has a striking appearance that showcases a range of interesting features throughout the year. Its leaves are heart-shaped with a luscious green color, exuding a tropical vibe. As the season progresses, these leaves often take on hues of deep red, adding a dramatic flair to the landscape. One of the most distinctive characteristics of this plant is its fragrant white flowers, which bloom profusely. Each flower is small and tubular, cradled within a larger, showy calyx that's typically pink or red, giving it a two-toned effect that's quite eye-catching. As the flowers fade, they give way to bright blue berries, each one nestled in the persistent red calyx, a feature that extends the visual interest of the plant into late fall and even winter. The bark of the plant is another highlight, starting smooth and gray when young, and becoming textured with age, providing a subtle yet complex backdrop for the foliage and flowers. This variety is particularly praised for these ornamental attributes, which contribute to its popularity in gardens where a bold visual statement is desired.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Harlequin Glorybower, Peanut Butter Tree, Glory Tree, Cashmere Bouquet
Common names
Clerodendrum trichotomum f. fargesii, Volkameria trichotoma.
ToxicityTo humans
The Harlequin Glorybower is not widely known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, certain individuals may experience sensitivity or allergic reactions upon exposure to its parts or sap. It is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting any part of a plant unless it is known to be safe for consumption. If ingested, the symptoms of plant poisoning can vary but often include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
To pets
Harlequin Glorybower is potentially toxic to pets if ingested. The ingestion of plant parts can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, signs of depression or weakness. Always keep an eye on pets around plants and prevent them from chewing on or ingesting unknown plant material to avoid the risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Spread
6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii, commonly known as Harlequin glorybower, is valued for its aesthetic beauty, with attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and showy berries that enhance garden design.
- Wildlife Attraction: The plant's blossoms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while its fruit provides food for birds, thus supporting biodiversity.
- Shade Provider: The Harlequin glorybower can grow into a small to medium-sized tree, offering shade in gardens and landscapes.
- Scented Flowers: The flowers emit a pleasant smell which can contribute to a fragrant garden environment.
- Seasonal Interest: This variety offers seasonal interest with flowers in summer and colorful fruit in fall, enriching the visual appeal of gardens throughout the growing season.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally used in some cultures to reduce inflammation.
- Antipyretic: Believed to help lower fever.
- Analgesic: May be used to alleviate pain.
- Antibacterial: Contains compounds thought to have antibacterial activity.
- Antitumor: Some studies suggest it may possess antitumor properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hedge or privacy screen: Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii, commonly known as Harlequin Glorybower, can be used to create a natural fence due to its dense foliage, adding privacy to gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Aromatic garden addition: The flowers of the Harlequin Glorybower emit a strong, pleasant fragrance, adding an olfactory dimension to sensory gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife attractant: The plant attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a beneficial addition for supporting local ecosystems and pollinator gardens.
- Ornamental fruit display: The bright blue fruits on contrasting red calyces provide a striking visual display, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens.
- Educational tool: Due to its unique phenology and vivid fruit, this plant can serve as an educational specimen in botanical studies and school gardens.
- Craft material: Dried branches of the Harlequin Glorybower, with their distinctive fruits, can be used in floral arrangements and decorative crafts.
- Photographic subject: The unusual flowers and fruits make the Harlequin Glorybower a compelling subject for photographers and artists, particularly those focusing on botanical themes.
- Theme gardens: It can be included in thematic garden designs, such as Asian-inspired gardens, due to its native origins in East Asia.
- Seasonal interest: With flowers blooming in late summer and fruits persisting into fall, the Harlequin Glorybower adds seasonal interest to temperate gardens.
- Religious symbol: In some cultures, the plant has been used symbolically in religious ceremonies and practices due to its dramatic appearance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Harlequin glorybower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Harlequin glorybower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty in contrast: The Harlequin Glorybower, with its contrasting colors of blue and red fruit against vibrant green foliage, represents the idea that beauty often comes from the contrast and harmony of different elements together.
- Unexpected wonder: With its pleasant fragrance and striking appearance when in bloom or fruit, the Harlequin Glorybower is a symbol of the delightful surprises that nature holds, often reminding us that wonder can be found in unexpected places.
- Transition and change: As a deciduous shrub that undergoes a visual transformation across seasons, the Harlequin Glorybower is symbolic of change and the natural cycles of growth and renewal in life.
- Wealth and abundance: The prolific nature of the Harlequin Glorybower's blooming and fruiting can symbolize wealth, prosperity, and the abundance of resources or opportunities.
WaterThe Harlequin Glorybower should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch or so of soil to dry out between waterings. Typically, this might mean watering once a week, but the frequency can vary based on temperature and humidity. As a rough guide, provide about 1-2 gallons of water to young plants each time, ensuring you're moistening the soil without waterlogging it. For mature plants, they may require more water, especially during hot, dry spells. Adjust according to weather conditions, with less water in cool, wet periods and more in dry, hot times.
LightHarlequin Glorybower thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be a location where it can get at least four hours of direct sunlight but is shaded during the hottest part of the day. Dappled sunlight, such as beneath a canopy of light foliage, can also be suitable for providing the bright but indirect light that this plant enjoys.
TemperatureThe Harlequin Glorybower prefers moderate temperatures and can survive in a range from around 20°F to 100°F. However, the ideal temperature conditions for this plant's growth and flowering are between 60°F and 85°F. It can tolerate a slight frost, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing may damage the plant.
PruningPrune the Harlequin Glorybower to remove dead or damaged branches, to shape the plant, and to encourage bushier growth. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It may be pruned annually or biannually as needed to maintain its desired size and shape. Some gardeners also prune after flowering to enhance the plant's appearance and to prevent self-sowing if volunteer seedlings are not desired.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHarlequin glorybower thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix with loam, peat, and perlite can promote good drainage and aeration.
RepottingHarlequin glorybower should be repotted every 2-3 years in spring when rootbound to encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingHarlequin glorybower prefers moderate to high humidity but can adapt to lower levels if it's not too dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii, commonly known as the Harlequin Glorybower, begins with seed germination, which occurs in a warm, moist environment, usually in spring. Once germinated, the seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant, which grows rapidly, producing leaves and establishing a root system. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage where it continues to grow in size and develops a woody stem, becoming a shrub or small tree. The reproductive stage follows, where from late summer to autumn, the plant produces fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators, leading to the production of berries that turn from green to bright blue with a contrasting red calyx, aiding in seed dispersal by birds. After fruiting, the plant goes into a period of dormancy, particularly in regions with colder winters, where it conserves energy for the next growing season. Throughout its life, the Harlequin Glorybower can go through repeated cycles of growth, flowering, fruiting, and dormancy, living for many years if conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Summer to early fall
Propogation: The Harlequin Glorybower, or Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii, is primarily propagated through semi-ripe cuttings during the summer months. To use this method, a section of stem from the current year's growth – typically around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long – is cut just below a node. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the base is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one node is buried where roots can form. The pot is then kept under high humidity and indirect light until the cutting has rooted, which generally takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Harlequin Glorybower can be transplanted to a more permanent location either in a pot or in the ground.
