Harlequin Glorybower
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Pickup available at Aiken Nursery
Usually ready in 2-4 days
A native of China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and parts of South Asia, Clerodendrum trichotomum has been cultivated in Western gardens since the mid-1800s, when the shrub was introduced from Japan and quickly adopted across Europe and the American South for uncanny late-season performance. This is the hardiest member of the genus and, for our money, the most theatrical.
Through August and September, broad cymes of white tubular flowers open from swollen pink calyces at the branch tips, carrying a sweet jasmine-like fragrance that drifts farther than you would expect from a shrub this size. Hummingbirds, swallowtails, and night-flying moths work the flowers steadily. What follows is the part collectors plant the shrub for: the petals drop, the pink calyces flush deeper to a true rose-red and open like little stars, and at the center of each one sits a single hard berry the color of oxidized turquoise. The contrast is almost gaudy, pink, red, metallic blue, and it holds for weeks into autumn.
Harlequin glorybower reaches 10 to 15 feet as a multi-stemmed shrub, more if trained as a small tree. The roots sucker freely, which is either a feature or a problem depending on the site: in an open lawn or border the plant will form a colony; in a contained bed or beside a drive, an occasional pruning keeps it well-mannered. Sun to part shade, average to moist soil, hardy in zones 7 to 9. Crush a leaf and you will understand why some call this the peanut butter tree.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 7–9
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, Moist
- Mature size
- Height 12–15 Feet · Spread 10–12 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Deciduous
Showy 1 to 1.5 inch white flowers on 6 to 9 inch cymes, fragrant, summer -fall
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is shared for traditional and educational interest only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before any medicinal use.
- Traditionally used to lower blood pressure and can interact with blood-pressure medication
- Not for use in pregnancy without expert guidance
- An ornamental plant, not a food; not a substitute for medical care
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.