With a common name like “Harlequin Glorybower,” you would think this plant just fell from Mount Olympus or something! In fact, the botanical name for this genus, Clerodendron, stems from the Greek words kleros (meaning fate) and dendron (meaning tree). The common name references the fact that the flowering structures resemble the costume of Harlequin, a character from ancient Italian classical theatre – fancy! “Glorybower” is a semi made-up word meaning, “stunning garden arbor” which presumably refers to the domed shape of the mature plant. I find this part of the name particularly funny, since it is considered a “trash- tree” in much of the southeastern US where it has become naturalized since its introduction from Japan in the 1860’s.
The species of Clerodendron that is most suited to growing in our area, C. trichotomum, is a large shrub or small shrubby tree, native to Asia. It grows well in full sun to part shade in rich, well-drained soils. The stems and bark look somewhat like elderberry, beginning green and aging to a nubbly brown. The medium green, ovate leaves have a slight downy texture and range in size from 4″ to 9″ long by 2″-5″ wide. One of the distinguishing characteristics of this plant is immediately apparent when any part of the plant is bruised — They have a very peculiar peanut butter scent, hence the second common name, Peanut Butter Tree. In Mid-August the plant produces clusters of blush-pink flower buds that open to white. As the flowers fade, the calyxes, just below the petals, become a vibrant magenta-red. The fruit appears in the center of the calyxes, beginning white, changing to a bright blue and aging to a deep blue-black.
Dr. Michael Dirr does not have a glowing review for this plant in his Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. He says, “Over the years, my feelings toward this plant have ebbed and flowed like the tide. In flower and fruit it is delightful but at its worst has the appearance of an overturned Dempster Dumpster.” I somewhat agree, but I think it’s definitely worth a try. I’ve observed this plant growing in my neighbor’s yard mid-island since being planted perhaps 8 years ago. With little to no care, the plant is now chest-high with an equal spread. It has never been browsed by deer and seems perfectly happy in unirrigated typical Nantucket soil in part sun.
ONE FINAL NOTE: This plant is at the edge of its hardiness range here in zone 7 ish. During a prolonged cold winter, the plant may die back somewhat, or perhaps even to the ground. If it dies back considerably, it is very likely to rebound from the roots.