Clerodendrum trichotomum Variegatum

Clerodendrum trichotomum 'Variegatum' is a variety of clergy tree with great ornamental value. It distinguishes itself from the species by a slightly less significant development and beautiful variegated foliage. It is easy to grow in many regions. It bears large fuzzy leaves, variegated with green and yellow, becoming green variegated with white. In late summer, in boasts panicles of fragrant white star-shaped flowers with a purple calyx, followed by clusters of blue-violet fruits surrounded by reddened calyxes, which bring colour to the late season. It has a rapid growth rate, which allows one to quickly enjoy its slightly exotic charm.

Clerodendrum trichotomum is sometimes called the peanut butter bush because of the fragrance of its crushed leaves that resembles peanut butter. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to the mountains of Japan, as well as China, Korea, and India. Young plants are slightly sensitive to cold, but a well-established plant will withstand -15°C (5 °F) without damage, in well-drained soil.

The 'Variegatum' cultivar quickly forms a small tree or large bush with a dense, erect and spreading habit. It will reach an average of 3m (10ft) in all directions. In this clerodendrum, the lower branches are slightly trailing, while the higher ones are upright. Its branches are covered with a dark grey bark dotted with lenticels that swell over time. They bear entire leaves, 8 to 15cm (3 to 6in) long, ovate, with prominent veins, and sometimes wavy or toothed edges. The slightly greyish-green, downy lamina is variegated with yellow, becoming cream-white. The flowering generally takes place from August to September, depending on the climate, on the current year's growth. The shrub is adorned with terminal inflorescences in panicles, 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) long, filled with small tubular and star-shaped flowers with long protruding stamens. They are white, slightly tinged with pale-mauve, and enclosed in a purple-violet calyx. Their fragrance is reminiscent of jasmine and attracts many pollinating insects. The flowers give way to dark blue berries with metallic reflections, surrounded by reddish-purple calyxes that are highly decorative. This fruiting is more or less regular depending on the year and the climate.

The 'Variegatum' form is even more decorative than the type due to its beautiful variegated foliage. It is decorative from spring to autumn. At the end of August until October, when most garden plants are at the end of their flowering, it brings a beautiful touch of fragrance and colour. The reputation for frost sensitivity of this clerodendrum is not justified, just as its cultivation requirements are often biased: it is tolerant in terms of soil and cold once established. It will bring an exotic touch to an informal hedge or a shrub bed. For example, it can be accompanied by Tetradium daniellii, botanical roses, a deciduous euonymus, Parrotia persica, or a vine with sumptuous autumn foliage. Place it near the home or a pathway to fully enjoy its fragrance.