Clerodendron

Clerodendrum trichotomum, the harlequin glorybower, is an uncommonly beautiful late-summer flowering shrub-like perennial that thrives in the warm, sheltered, well-drained garden environments of Martha's Vineyard, particularly on the south-facing slopes and protected courtyard gardens of properties in Edgartown and Vineyard Haven. Its fragrant white flowers in August and September are followed by turquoise berries framed in deep crimson calyxes, creating a striking two-tone effect that extends ornamental interest into early fall. The plant establishes well in the island's sandy, fast-draining soils and tolerates the heat reflected from walls and hard surfaces common in more formal coastal garden settings.

Deer resistance is generally reliable. Estate Care professionals deploy it as a bold late-season specimen in high-visibility gardens where architectural interest and unusual fruiting display are both design objectives.