Clerodendrum trichotomum (Harlequin Glory)

Clerodendrum trichotomum (Harlequin Glory) with white and pink flower clusters among wide green leaves

Botanical name: Clerodendrum trichotomum

Common names: Harlequin Glory, Clerodendron

Family: Lamiaceae (Formerly:Verbenaceae)

Origin: eastern China and Japan

USDA Zone: 6-9

Plant form: Large bush

Mature height: 5-10 ft

Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade

Cold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.

Watering: Regular

Flower color: White and off-white

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Foliage: Deciduous

Fragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant

Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Bushy shrub or small tree with large dark green leaves (bronze when young) to 8" and white fragrant flowers. Leaves, when crushed emit a "peanut butter" fragrance. Blooms in late summer and early fall, showy red calyxes cover small, and ultimately, bright blue fruit. Word Clerodendrum: from the Greek, klero, chance, and dendron, tree (some are tree-like), alluding to the unpredictable medicinal properties of plants in this genus. Trichotomum: branching into three. The real beauty is in the seeds which are blue and coated in a red tissue. Hardy to USDA Zone 6 -9 , this bush can tolerate some frost. The fruits are turning blue when mature.