Clerodendrum trichotomum aka Glorytree

Taxonomy

Clerodendrum trichotomum, commonly known as the harlequin glorybower, is a large deciduous shrub which is native to China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, India, and the Philippines. It has a somewhat unkempt appearance and is believed to be the tree of good fortune. The scientific name of the plant is derived from two Greek words: kleros meaning chance or luck and dendron meaning tree. It grows up to 3–6 metres (10–20 ft) and has white petals with a green calyx which turns red as the fruits ripen. The leaves are ovate and soft, producing a peanut odor when crushed. Its fragrant white flowers are borne on branching peduncles and the fruits, when mature, are blue drupes containing the novel blue pigment trichotomine. This plant is cultivated for its fragrant flowers, autumn colour, and ornamental berries and should be planted in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil, and the roots should be heavily mulched in the fall for winter protection. The variety C. trichotomum var. fargesii (Farges' harlequin glorybower) and the cultivar C. trichotomum var. fargesii 'Carnival' have both gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (confirmed 2017).

Common names

Glorytree, Ferruginous Clerodendrum, Harlequin Glorybower

How to care for Glorytree

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Glorytree, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Glorytree should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Glorytree loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Glorytree thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Harlequin Glorybower.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Region of origin

Glorytree’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.


More info:
Wikipedia