Clerodendrum speciosissimum 'Arkansas Hardy'

Clerodendrum speciosissimum 'Arkansas Hardy' is a tropical clerodendrum that surprised us with its winter hardiness. In 2003, Arkansas plantsman David Cockrell shared a hardy form of Clerodendrum speciosissimum that he discovered traveling through his home state on business. Despite our skepticism that it could survive here in Zone 7b, this amazing clone has returned since 2003. In our climate, it emerges late, and never gets over 2' tall, although in warm winter climates, expect it to reach 7' tall. The slowly suckering plant emerges with upright woody stems, clothed in 1' wide, velvety green leaves and topped in very late summer and early fall with terminal clusters of brilliant, scarlet-red flowers along with loads of hummingbirds. Not only does Clerodendrum speciosissimum look great in the garden, but it can also be used to cure everything from arthritis to hemorrhoids. You're sure to feel a sense of relief just having this in your garden.