This is a public-interest archive. Personal data is pseudonymized and retained under GDPR Article 89.

Re: Peanut butter bush

This does sound like Clerodendrum trichotomum a.k.a.  "Harlequin
Glorybower".  My book says it's hardy to 14* F and can get to 15' or
more.  I have the impression in colder areas it will just die back to
ground level and re-grow, but don't know how cold.

Mine has a rounded canopy tree-shape, others can be multi-stemmed. It
does sucker some.  For more than the past 2 months there has been a
gorgeous show of gradually evolving flower clusters (heavenly fragrant
at first) from the white star-clusters to a more rosy look to the
metallic teal fruit / maroon calyces display which is better
appreciated close-up.  

 Full sun is tolerated with moisture, and most soils are 
fine if not overly alkaline.

Fall color isn't outstanding, just a yellowing of the green before
dropping.  Some folks like the odor of the leaves, but to me the
"peanut butter" smells rancid!  It is a distinctive identification
trait.

Good Luck!
Marian
> markspkn@iol.ie
> Galway, Ireland.
>  
> A friend wrote asking whether I'd heard of this. Can anyone help. I imagine
> it's a clerodendrum as opposed to a Clarodendron, but couldn't put my hand
> on
> any information for him. Does it ring a bell with anyone ? Botanical name ?
> Cultivation details ?
> Mark
>  
> Got some cuttings the other day from an elderly lady, she called her bush 
> a "peanut butter bush", identified I think as a Claradendron. Is that 
> familiar to you in Ireland? First time I saw it here in Oregon.  
> Beautifull white cluster blooms with unique green and teal berries.  When 
> rubbed, the foliage does smell like peanut butter! Large bush, 10X10 ft.
> 

> 
Marian Raitz   mraitz@blaze.accessone.com
Bellevue WA  Zone 8
---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE WOODYPLANTS
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index