Description

General aspect and origins - Clerodendron trichotomum is also known as harlequin glorybower. This vigorous shrub or small tree is native to China and Japan, and a spreading shape. It often has multiple trunks. Young twigs are hairy. Leaves appear relatively late, and fall with first frosts.
Leaves - Leaves of the harlequin glorybower are deciduous, simple, entire, opposite and elliptic to ovate. They are about 7-10 in (17-25 cm) long and 2-6 in (5-15 cm) wide. Leave stems can be quite long. When crushed, leaves have an unpleasant odour.
Flowers - Flowers are white, tubular, red and white, with 4 prominent stamens. They are strongly scented, and grouped in terminal panicles of 6-8 in (15-20 cm) in diameter. Flowers appear on new wood, in mid to late summer.
Fruits - The fruits are inedible, fleshy and globose, less than 0.5 in (1.25 cm) in diameter, and are bright blue when ripe.

Culture

This tree is ornamental and frost hardy : mature trees can withstand USDA zones 6 frosts.
Soil - This plant prefers a drained and fertile ground. It is moderately drought tolerant.

Propagation

This Clerodendron can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, can be grafted or divided.
Each fruit generally contains 4 seeds.