Harlequin glorybower

Harlequin glorybower is a beautiful and fascinating flowering shrub or small tree belonging to the Lamiaceae family native to China Japan Korea and India It is widely admired for its striking ornamental features unique flowering pattern and attractive foliage making it a popular choice in gardens and landscapes The plant can reach a height of 3 to 6 meters and produces large heart shaped leaves with a rough texture and a strong peanut like aroma when crushed which adds a sensory element to the plant The most captivating feature of Harlequin glorybower is its extraordinary flowers and fruiting display.

During late summer it produces clusters of fragrant star shaped white flowers surrounded by deep red calyces that remain on the plant long after the petals drop These blossoms exude a strong sweet fragrance especially in the evening attracting bees butterflies and moths for pollination As the flowers mature the calyces hold striking turquoise blue berries creating a dramatic contrast of white red and blue that makes the plant highly decorative This unique combination of colors has earned it the nickname peanut butter shrub or glorybower In addition to its ornamental value Harlequin glorybower has cultural and medicinal importance In traditional medicine parts of the plant.

Were used for their anti inflammatory and antimicrobial properties though care must be taken as some parts of the plant are toxic if ingested It is a hardy and adaptable species preferring full sun to partial shade and well drained soil Though tolerant of different soil types it thrives best in moderately fertile ground The plant can sometimes spread aggressively through root suckers making it necessary to manage growth in gardens Pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth Gardeners value Harlequin glorybower not only for its vibrant aesthetic appeal but also for its ability to attract pollinators and enhance biodiversity.