Clerodendrum trichotomum Fargesii

The Clerodendrum trichotomum Fargesii is undoubtedly the hardiest form of the Clerodendrum tree. It is a small tree that is as pleasant to contemplate as it is easy to grow in the majority of European regions. It is not widely used in our gardens despite its beautiful fragrant late summer flowering, and its amazing blue and red fruits that remains decorative until winter. As wide as it is tall if not pruned, this Clerodendrum is superb as a standalone plant, in a naturalistic inspired massif, as well as in a flowering hedge.

The Clerodendrum trichotomum belongs to the verbena family. This deciduous species populates the woods and thickets of Japan, Korea, eastern China, and the Philippines, up to an altitude of 2,300 m (7,545 ft). The variety 'Fargesii' is a slightly hardier form (-20°C / -4 °F) native to western China, brought to the Vilmorin Arboretum in France by Father Farges in 1898. It differs from the classic species with its young leaves colored bronze, the green colour of the calyx at the base of the flowers, its glabrous branches and leaves, and fruits that are less vibrant blue than in the typical form.

The Clerodendrum trichotomum Fargesii forms a large and airy rounded shrub, reaching 4 m (13 ft 1 in) in all directions. When care is taken to eliminate the lower branches, it can form a small tree on a stem up to 5-6 m (16 ft 5 in-19 ft 8 in) in height. Severe pruning may induce the appearance of shoots at the base of the plant. The young branches are pubescent, they bear young bronze-coloured leaves in spring. They unfold into large opposing leaves, ovate in shape, with a pointed end and strongly veined. They are of medium green colour and downy on the underside. Larger in young subjects, they can measure 17 to 25 cm (6.7 to 9.8 in) long and 5-15 cm (2-5.9 in) wide and have finely indented edges. When crushed, these leaves emit a curious scent of peanuts, more to the liking of some than others, but which immediately identifies this species. The leaves appear in late in spring and fall at the first frosts.

The abundant and highly fragrant flowering takes place in August-September. The Clerodendrum trichotomum Fargesii tree produces small star-shaped white flowers, carried by an elongated angular greenish calyx, grouped into panicles about 15-20 cm (5.9-7.9 in) wide. The corolla forms a tube terminated by 5 petals from which 4 long stamens and a style emerge. After pollination by insects, the shrub is adorned in autumn with a profusion of berries the size of currants, but dark blue in colour, enclosed in a bright red calyx. This fruiting is more or less regular depending on the year and the climate, and it persists on the branches long after the leaves have fallen.

Make the most of the fragrance of the flowering of Clerodendrum trichotomum Fargesii by placing it near a living or passageway area! In a small garden, plant it as a standalone tree to create shade. It will embellish the area with its intense fragrance and unusual flowering from the end of August to October, when most of the plants in the garden are finishing their blooming. However, avoid parking vehicles underneath as the berries stain and attract birds. The shrub also makes an ideal flowering hedge plant and attracts birds that delight in its fruits. To accompany it, consider shrubs with beautiful autumn colours such as forsythia, Japanese quince, witch hazel, amelanchier, Japanese maple, or remontant yellow roses like Celina. Enthusiasts of rare plants can accompany it with a Euodia daniellii, botanical roses, a deciduous euonymus, a Persian ironwood, or a purple-leaved grapevine with splendid autumn foliage.