Clerodendrum Trichotomum Purple Blaze

Clerodendrum Trichotomum Purple Blaze is also known as the Glory Tree or Glory Bower. Rare, trained as a half standard tree, this deciduous shrub originates from China and Japan. This is an ornamental tree for growing in beds and borders, for the fabulous display it provides in late summer and autumn. Clerodendrum Trichotomum Purple Blaze is a prolific flowerer, a profusion of pink buds burst into pure white star shaped flowers and the highly fragrant blossom racemes are 20cm across. The Glory Tree flowers then develop into cerise coloured star-like calyxes with bright blue berries at the centre. This highly decorative display warrants a specimen shrub location, to properly appreciate its beauty and fragrance.
Clerodendrum Trichotomum shrubs are hardy to around -10 but it may die back during very cold months. To get the very best display of flowers and berries it is best to plant in full sun with a south facing aspect. It will grow in partial shade but the display may be slightly less.
Purple Blaze has attractive foliage which emerges as a deep purple hue. Clerodendrum has a particular odour when the leaves are bruised or crushed, often likened to the smell of peanut butter, indeed it is known as the Peanut Butter Tree or the Peanut Butter Shrub in some quarters.
Plant Clerodendrum Trichotomum in well drained soil in a sheltered position, this is a fast growing shrub and will sucker from the bottom,these should be removed in spring and at the end of the growing year, when it deserves a good mulch for over wintering.