Harlequin glorybower (Clerodendrum trichotomum)

Also known as: Peanut butter tree

The Clerodendrum trichotomum, originating from China and Japan, is often called the Harlequin Glorybower. When its leaves are crushed, they emit a distinctive peanut butter aroma. This plant can reach a height of up to 4.5 meters and thrives well in a spacious container.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Harlequin glorybower

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1.5 m to 10 m

Spread

3 m to 6 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Harlequin glorybower

Quickly Identify Harlequin glorybower

White flowers in clusters measuring 6-9 inches (15-23 cm), emitting an aromatic scent.

Showy blue drupes follow the flowering period, creating a distinctive visual contrast.

Tubular white flowers in long-peduncled cymes, blooming in late summer to fall.

Striking blue ornamental berries with glossy texture and vivid red calyx, less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.

Lustrous dark green leaves, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) in length, emitting a peanut butter scent when crushed.

Scientific Classification of Harlequin glorybower

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Mint

Genus

Glorybowers

Species

Harlequin glorybower

Planting and Growing of Harlequin glorybower

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 8 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Harlequin glorybower?

When watering Clerodendrum trichotomum, it's essential to ensure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Each watering session should provide approximately 500 milliliters. The goal is to maintain soil moisture to a depth of around 2 inches, allowing the roots to benefit from consistent hydration while still ensuring adequate drainage to prevent root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Harlequin glorybower? ›

What should I do if my Harlequin glorybower is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Harlequin glorybower? ›

How to save an overwatered Harlequin glorybower? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Harlequin glorybower?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Clerodendrum trichotomum does best with partial sun, basking in 4 to 6 hours of direct light. Ideal light conditions promote lush foliage, vibrant blooms, and overall vitality.

How much sunlight does it need? ›

How to provide the ideal sunlight? ›

What benefits does ideal light provide? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Harlequin glorybower?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Clerodendrum trichotomum thrives best in a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F. This range provides an optimal environment that supports active growth and flower production. The moderate warmth mimics the natural climate of its native habitats, promoting healthy photosynthesis and metabolic processes.

What Soil is Best for Harlequin glorybower?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Clerodendrum trichotomum thrives in well-draining soil as it prevents root rot and ensures the plant receives adequate oxygen. This soil property facilitates proper growth and flowering by allowing excess water to escape, reducing the risk of overwatering. The plant prefers soil with moderate fertility which provides balanced nutrients for healthy growth. Excessively rich soil can lead to lush foliage but may inhibit the striking flowering, so maintaining moderate fertility supports both foliage and blooms. Although well-draining, the soil needs to retain some moisture to support continuous growth. This helps the plant survive dry spells without immediate watering, making it somewhat resilient in less ideal conditions.

How to Fertilize Harlequin glorybower?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Clerodendrum trichotomum, it is generally recommended to use a balanced 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK fertilizer. For liquid fertilizers, use approximately one tablespoon diluted in a gallon of water, ensuring it's evenly distributed around the plant's base during application.

How to Prune Harlequin glorybower?

Pruning Time: Spring, Autumn

Make sure to use sharp bypass pruners to avoid damaging the plant. Dull blades can tear the branches, which may lead to disease or pest infestations. Always sterilize your tools with isopropyl alcohol to prevent disease transmission between plants. Start by cutting away any dead or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy. Look for brown or brittle wood and snip it back to a healthy part of the stem. This clears the way for new growth. To promote bushier growth, trim back the tips of your Clerodendrum trichotomum. This encourages the plant to focus its energy on developing more branches rather than height, leading to a fuller appearance. Carefully cut back any long or unruly branches to keep the plant’s shape and size under control. Aim to create an open center to allow light penetration and air circulation, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Harlequin glorybower plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late spring, Early summer

Select healthy stems and cut at an angle below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. This prepares the cutting to develop roots efficiently.

Insert the prepared cutting into a pot filled with a moist, well-draining potting mix. Ensure that the nodes are buried which promotes root growth and offers stability to the cutting.

Water the cuttings thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. Cover with a plastic dome or bag to maintain humidity and warmth, creating a microclimate conducive for rooting.

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How to Repot Harlequin glorybower plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Recognizing the right time to repot Clerodendrum trichotomum is crucial to its health. Look for signs like roots growing out of the drainage holes, the soil drying out quickly after watering, or stunted growth. These are clear indicators that your plant needs more space or refreshed soil to thrive.

Selecting an appropriate pot for your Clerodendrum trichotomum is essential. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, with ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A pot with good depth will allow the roots to expand comfortably, promoting healthy growth and stability.

Opt for a well-draining, loamy soil mix to ensure optimal growth. This type of soil retains enough moisture to support the plant while allowing excess water to drain away easily, thus preventing root rot. Additionally, it provides the necessary nutrients for the plant's overall health.

Toxicity of Harlequin glorybower

Is Harlequin glorybower toxic to humans?

The Harlequin glorybower is a poisonous plant that poses significant health risks if consumed. The symptoms can be quite severe, with potential life-threatening outcomes in extreme situations. Every part of this plant is toxic, but the seeds and leaves are particularly dangerous to humans, having a greater likelihood of eliciting severe reactions. Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, and even seizures, with the most serious incidents resulting in fatalities. To safeguard yourself while handling this plant in your garden or yard, it is advisable to wear gloves, as contact with any part of the plant can lead to adverse skin reactions or dermatitis.

Is Harlequin glorybower toxic to cat?

The Harlequin glorybower exhibits a moderate toxicity level for cats. If felines ingest the fruits of this plant, which are the toxic components, they risk poisoning. Symptoms of physical distress may occur following ingestion. Pet owners need to be attentive and keep cats away from the harlequin glorybower's fruits. If poisoning is suspected, seeking prompt veterinary assistance is essential for the health and safety of the pet.

Is Harlequin glorybower toxic to dog?

The Harlequin glorybower presents a moderate toxicity hazard to dogs, especially when they consume its fruits. Ingestion of these plant parts can result in poisoning, leading to various symptoms associated with toxic exposure. Dog owners must remain alert for indications such as gastrointestinal disturbances, vomiting, diarrhea, or more serious signs suggesting systemic involvement. If a dog eats harlequin glorybower, it is crucial to obtain prompt veterinary assistance to achieve the best possible result for the animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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