Harlequin Glorybower Clerodendrum trichotomum
ABOUT
Commonly known as the harlequin glorybower or peanut butter tree, this plant is renowned for its unique and striking appearance. It sports oval-shaped leaves that carry a fresh green hue. During the growing season, the leaves exhibit a glossy texture that contributes to the plant's vibrant look. The harlequin glorybower is also celebrated for its floral display. It produces clusters of star-shaped flowers that are predominantly white, with each blossom cradled in a pinkish or reddish calyx. This combination of the flower's white petals against the contrasting calyx creates an eye-catching display that attracts various pollinators. Post-blooming, the plant offers an additional point of interest with its berries. The fruits undergo a color transition from green to a vivid blue, cradled by the now bright red or purplish calyx, which further adds to the ornamental appeal of the plant. Apart from the beauty of its flowers and fruits, the harlequin glorybower is recognized for the distinct fragrance it emanates. The scent is often described as sweet and penetrating, lingering in the air around the plant. The branches of the plant hold the leaves and flowers in a manner that allows them to stand out and be easily appreciated, while the overall form of the harlequin glorybower contributes to its characteristic lush and exotic allure. This charismatic plant is a favorite among gardeners and plant enthusiasts who desire to add an element of tropical splendor to their collections.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Harlequin Glorybower, Peanut Butter Tree, Glory Tree, Clerodendrum.
Common names
Clerodendrum kaempferi, Volkameria trichotoma, Clerodendrum serotinum, Siphonanthus indicus.
ToxicityTo humans
Harlequin glorybower is moderately toxic to humans if ingested. While it is not typically life-threatening, consumption of parts of the plant can cause gastrointestinal distress, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, skin contact with the sap can lead to dermatitis or skin irritation.
To pets
Harlequin glorybower is also toxic to pets if ingested. Similar to humans, pets that consume parts of the plant may suffer from gastrointestinal upset, with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more significant health concerns. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant, you should consult a veterinarian.
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 Japan Korea
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Beauty: Clerodendrum trichotomum, commonly known as the Harlequin Glorybower, features showy, fragrant flowers and attractive fruits which add aesthetic value to gardens.
- Wildlife Attraction: The plant's flowers are a nectar source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while its fruits attract birds.
- Shade Provider: With its dense foliage, the Harlequin Glorybower can offer considerable shade in landscape designs or when planted in outdoor recreational spaces.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant gives a long season of interest with flowers in the summer, colorful fruit in the fall, and foliage that changes color adding to the autumnal palette.
- Hedge and Screen: Due to its growth habit, the Harlequin Glorybower can be used as a living privacy screen or hedge in landscapes, providing both privacy and beauty.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Clerodendrum trichotomum has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation.
- Antipyretic: The plant is believed to help in lowering fever.
- Antihypertensive: There are claims of its use in managing high blood pressure.
- Analgesic: The plant might have been used to relieve pain in certain traditional practices.
- Antimicrobial: Components of the plant might exhibit antimicrobial properties against certain strains of bacteria or fungi.
- Antioxidant: The plant may contain compounds with antioxidant activity, helping to combat oxidative stress.
- Hepatoprotective: There is some belief that Clerodendrum trichotomum may help protect the liver from damage.
- Antitumor: Some studies suggest a potential use in combatting certain types of cancer.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clerodendrum trichotomum, commonly known as the Harlequin Glorybower, can be used as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers which can beautify gardens and landscapes.
- The leaves of the Harlequin Glorybower can be used to create natural green dyes for textiles, providing a sustainable dyeing option.
- The plant's wood is moderately hard and can be used for making small wooden items like handles, ornaments, or crafts requiring intricately grained timber.
- The unique aromatic qualities of Harlequin Glorybower flowers make them suitable for use in potpourri blends, providing a long-lasting and pleasant fragrance.
- Due to its rapid growth and dense foliage, Harlequin Glorybower can be used as a privacy hedge or living fence in residential areas or parks.
- The bright, berry-like fruits of the Harlequin Glorybower may be used in decorative displays, although they are not edible and should be kept away from pets and children.
- This plant can be utilized in butterfly gardens, as it is known to attract a variety of butterflies and pollinators, promoting biodiversity.
- Harlequin Glorybower can serve as a parent plant for creating hybrids, enabling horticulturists to develop new plant varieties with desirable traits.
- The plant can be used in educational settings to teach botany and horticulture, particularly concerning ornamental plant care and breeding.
- In landscape photography and painting, Harlequin Glorybower provides an aesthetic element with its distinctive clusters of flowers and vibrant blue berries.
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- Harbinger of Good Luck: Clerodendrum trichotomum, commonly known as Harlequin Glorybower, is often associated with good fortune and is thought to attract positive energy.
- Beauty in the Garden: With its vibrant flowers and pleasant fragrance, the Harlequin Glorybower symbolizes the presence of beauty and the appreciation of aesthetic pleasure in one's surroundings.
- Unexpected Surprise: The plant's unique characteristic of having flowers and berries at the same time represents the joy of unexpected surprises and the layered complexities of life.
- Healing: Medicinally, some species of Clerodendrum have been used in traditional medicine, which extends the plant's symbolism to healing and health.
- Balance and Duality: The contrast between the plant's delicate flowers and more robust berries can symbolize the balance and duality inherent in life.
WaterThe Harlequin Glorybower should be watered deeply once a week during its growing season, particularly in the absence of rainfall. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not soggy. For outdoor plants, this might mean using about 1 to 2 gallons of water for a mature shrub, depending on climate conditions and soil type. During the winter months, it requires less water. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to ensure the roots do not sit in water.
LightHarlequin Glorybower thrives in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it receives at least four to six hours of sunlight a day. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureHarlequin Glorybower does well in a wide range of temperatures and is hardy from USDA zone 7 to 9. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 0 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum temperature of around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningHarlequin Glorybower can be pruned to control its size and shape, as well as to remove any damaged or diseased branches. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. Thinning out old branches every few years promotes healthy growth and flowering. Regular pruning can also encourage the plant to develop a more desirable branching pattern.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHarlequin glorybower thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of loam, peat, and sand in equal parts creates an ideal environment for its roots. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to support its growth.
RepottingHarlequin glorybower does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2 to 3 years. It is best to repot in the spring when the plant is beginning its active growth cycle.
Humidity & MistingHarlequin glorybower prefers a moderate to high humidity environment, but it is quite adaptable. Aim for humidity levels around 40-50% for optimal growth conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place it in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleClerodendrum trichotomum, commonly known as Harlequin Glorybower, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, usually in the spring, after they've gone through a period of cold stratification which breaks seed dormancy. The seedlings develop a root system and grow into juvenile plants with a basic structure of leaves and stems. As the plants mature, they develop a woody framework and foliage, entering the vegetative growth stage where energy is focused on growth rather than reproduction. Once mature, usually after a few years, Harlequin Glorybower enters the flowering stage annually in late summer, featuring fragrant white flowers with red bracts that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers give way to fleshy, blue berries encased in a red calyx, which are then dispersed, often by birds, enabling the spread of seeds to new locations. The plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter where growth slows significantly before the cycle begins anew with the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The Harlequin Glorybower, or Clerodendrum trichotomum, can be propagated by softwood cuttings. This method is most commonly undertaken during late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is vigorous and softwood stems are abundant. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would cut a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) length of stem that includes several leaves. It is essential to make the cut just below a leaf node as this is where root formation is most likely to occur. The lower leaves should be removed and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then inserted into a well-draining soil mixture, with the remaining leaves just above the surface. The soil should be kept moist and the cutting in indirect light until roots develop, which can be verified by gentle tugging on the stem to feel for resistance.
