Clerodendrum thomsoniae: The Spectacular Bleeding Heart Vine




Clerodendrum thomsoniae, commonly known as the Bleeding Heart Vine, is a semi-woody, slow-growing climber that creates a spectacular visual effect. Native to tropical West Africa, this evergreen vine gets its common name from flowers that resemble a drop of red blood emerging from a heart-shaped calyx.

Flower Description

This plant is breathtaking when in bloom. The small, slightly flattened flowers feature balloon-shaped white calyxes from which bright crimson or dark red corollas emerge, with prominent stamens and styles extending well beyond the petals.

Flower Clusters

The flowers grow in terminal clusters of 8-20. They last for several months, although the red corolla has a shorter lifespan. As they age, the flowers change from white to pale pink or lavender, eventually turning tan as they dry.

Blooming Season

The Bleeding Heart Vine will bloom most of the year with sufficient light and warmth, but it is most prolific in the summer. If pollinated, the flowers will produce fruits. The green fruits mature to a red or black color before opening to reveal four black seeds against a bright orange, fleshy interior.




Growth and Size

Although it's a climber, this plant is somewhat shrubby. The glossy, dark green oval leaves are 12-17 cm long with smooth edges and pointed tips. In its native habitat, it can grow 3 to 4 meters tall, but as a container plant, it will remain much smaller.

Support and Pruning

Provide some support, such as a trellis, if you want it to grow as a vine. It can also be pruned or pinched back into a shrub form (or be left to mound over itself). It works well in a hanging basket and is a vigorous grower when well cared for with adequate watering and fertilizing.

Light Requirements

This plant needs direct sunlight to bloom well; a sunny window may be sufficient if not moved outside during the season. Water and fertilize regularly when actively growing. Use a rich but well-draining potting medium and keep it moist, but not soggy.

Pruning for New Growth

To encourage new growth, it is best to cut the plant back after flowering. Thin out old, overcrowded shoots and any long-reaching growth to keep the vine within bounds – don’t be afraid to prune severely.

Pests and Hardiness

The Bleeding Heart Vine has few pests, but mealybugs and spider mites can occasionally be a problem. Although hardy, it is truly a tropical plant and needs protection from freezing. If grown outdoors, move it inside when temperatures drop below 45°F. When temperatures are low enough (even indoors), the plant will lose its leaves. New leaves will sprout from the roots or what appears to be dead wood in the spring. If it goes dormant in winter, hold back on water until new growth begins (water just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely and do not fertilize).

Propagation

The Bleeding Heart Vine is easy to propagate from cuttings. Semi-mature tip cuttings taken in late spring or late summer can be rooted in water or moist sand or another medium. Roots should appear in about 2 weeks. Seeds can also be sown in spring.

Cultivars

There are only a few cultivars of this species. The 'Delectum' variety features very large clusters of a lighter shade of red flowers. A variegated form ('Variegata') has creamy margins on the leaves.