Harlequin Glorybower Plant Care

Harlequin Glorybower (Clerodendrum trichotomum) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Clerodendrum genus. Harlequin Glorybower is native to China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, India, and the Philippines. Harlequin Glorybower is also known as Glory Bower, Sky Flower, Bastard Indigo.

Harlequin Glorybower displays a fast-growing, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Harlequin Glorybower produces showy clusters of red, pink, or white tubular flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Harlequin Glorybower every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Harlequin Glorybower thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Clerodendrum trichotomum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Harlequin Glorybower prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Harlequin Glorybower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Harlequin Glorybower every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Harlequin Glorybower is suited to USDA Zone 5a – 9b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Harlequin Glorybower can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Harlequin Glorybower while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Harlequin Glorybower is hardy down to USDA zone 5a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Harlequin Glorybower can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lucky clerodendrum plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Harlequin Glorybower is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Harlequin Glorybower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Harlequin Glorybower is native to China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, India, and the Philippines.